Denver Mayor Mike Johnston on immigration raids: "We know there's a lot of fear ... we're not going to be bullied"

In recent years, the City of Denver has welcomed over 40,000 migrants, prompting Mayor Mike Johnston to address the complexities of immigration policies, particularly in relation to "sanctuary jurisdictions." During a discussion with CBS Colorado’s Jasmine Arenas, Johnston shared the challenges of discussing deportation with families but emphasized his commitment to providing support using the city's available resources.

Johnston criticized the circumstances leading to the influx of migrants, specifically referencing the decision by the governor of Texas to send individuals to Denver via buses. Despite spending over $350 million on migrant services, the city does not identify as a "sanctuary city." The term, according to Johnston, means that Denver does not inquire about individuals' immigration status, and any information about status is not shared with federal agencies.

However, Johnston clarified that if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) identifies individuals in custody and requests to take action upon their release, his administration complies with those requests. He noted that there has not yet been direct collaboration with ICE, although there have been some inquiries recently.

Highlighting his administration's proactive initiatives, Johnston mentioned the launch of the Denver Asylum Seeker Program, which has effectively integrated migrants into the workforce, enabling them to contribute to the community through employment and taxes. He expressed concern for families facing uncertainty and reiterated that Denver's values remain unchanged amidst fears and challenges.

As the mayor contemplates whether to testify before Congress on these immigration issues, he is also focusing on broader city goals for 2025 that include reducing housing costs and improving public safety, emphasizing a steadfast commitment to community welfare despite external pressures.