Denver Mayor Mike Johnston (D) previously vowed to block President Donald Trump's deportation efforts, but appears to have reversed his sanctuaries position after pressure from the Justice Department.
In an interview on Wednesday KDVRJohnston said Denver will cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in certain situations.
“If there are detainees that ICE is looking for, they can contact us and we can release them.”
For illegal aliens who have committed additional crimes in the U.S., Johnston said Denver will notify ICE of their release schedule.
But Johnston also argued that Denver's hands are tied by sanctuary state law.
“The whole state is bound by state law in this regard, and like anywhere in the state, it's pretty consistent in some of these practices and they don't respect ICE detainees,” Johnston told KDVR. “If I get a call from ICE and they say, 'Can you hold someone for three more days?'” This hasn't happened in Douglas County, Yuma or Denver, but many of these practices We believe that, as is the case across the state, we strike a common-sense balance by keeping local police from enforcing federal law. It's not our job, and we're not going to do ICE's job for them. But if they ask for information about people we have in custody, we will let them know when we release them. ”
ICE detainees are asking local jails to hold criminal illegal aliens for up to 48 hours after scheduled release (instead of three days, as Johnston pointed out).
“We don't believe our values will change. We want to be a welcoming city and a city that serves all residents.” continued Mr. Johnston. “We will not be bullied or intimidated into changing our policies, but we believe our policies work for everyone at this time.”
He said local law enforcement officers don't ask for immigration status when stopping cars for traffic violations, but “if there's someone in their custody that ICE is looking for, they contact us. “We can take them, and we will be able to release them when the time comes.” They will be released from our prisons. ”
Johnston's comments Wednesday appear to be a departure from remarks he made to the Denverite in November. At the time, the mayor hinted that he would use local law enforcement officers to block President Trump's federal immigration authorities.
“More than we have D.P.D. [Denver Police Department] If we had a garrison at the county border to keep them out, there would be 50,000 Denver residents there,” he said. “It would be like Tiananmen Square with roses and guns. ? So did all the Highland mothers who came for immigration. And you don't want to mess with them.”
In a subsequent interview, Johnston attempted to retract his statement, insisting there were “no plans” to station police officers at county lines. He also said he plans to join Denver residents protesting Trump's deportation.
“If I think something is illegal, immoral, un-American happening in our city, I will definitely protest it, and I expect other residents will do the same,” Johnston said. said.
He added that he was “not afraid” of facing prison time to protect illegal immigrants. But Mr Johnston also said: “Those who commit serious crimes such as murder and rape should be prosecuted and deported.”
Mr. Johnston's newly declared commitment to aiding ICE means that, at least in some cases, President Trump's Justice Department is pushing prosecutors to investigate state and local leaders who obstruct federal deportation efforts. This comes in response to reports that he had given instructions to
“Federal law prohibits state and local officials from resisting, obstructing, or disobeying lawful immigration-related orders or requests,” a Tuesday memo from Acting Deputy Attorney General Emile Bove said. There it is written.
“The U.S. Attorney's Office and the Department of Justice's Litigation Division will investigate cases involving such misconduct with a view to potential prosecutions, including obstruction of federal functions,” he said.
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