Tom Homan, former acting ICE Director and President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming Border Czar, issued a scathing rebuke of Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, who has pledged to defy federal immigration laws to shield undocumented immigrants from deportation. Homan’s sharp remarks highlight a growing showdown between federal and local officials over sanctuary city policies.
Speaking during an interview, Homan didn’t mince words about Johnston’s controversial plans to block deportations, stating, “We agree on one thing—he’s willing to go to jail, and I’m willing to put him in jail.”
Mayor Johnston has made headlines for his bold sanctuary city agenda, vowing to resist federal immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. In a recent interview with Denverite, Johnston described Denver as a “fortress of resistance,” where residents and even police officers would stand in solidarity against federal deportation efforts.
Johnston went so far as to evoke imagery of China’s Tiananmen Square protests, suggesting that Denver residents could create human barricades to block immigration agents.
“You would have 50,000 Denverites there,” Johnston declared. “It’s like the Tiananmen Square moment with the rose and the gun, right? You’d have every one of those Highland moms who came out for the migrants. And you do not want to mess with them.”
While Johnston later acknowledged the Tiananmen Square comparison was “inappropriate,” he has not backed down from his broader stance, framing his resistance as a moral imperative.
Homan, a staunch advocate for enforcing federal immigration law, responded with pointed criticism of Johnston’s rhetoric and defiance.
“This is a blatant disregard for the law,” Homan said. “No mayor or local official has the authority to obstruct federal immigration enforcement. If he’s prepared to go to jail to protect criminals, I’m prepared to ensure he does.”
Homan emphasized that sanctuary city policies endanger communities by shielding individuals who may have criminal records. “This isn’t about targeting families or innocent people. This is about removing those who pose a threat to public safety,” he explained.
Homan also rejected Johnston’s framing of the issue as a battle of values, arguing that the primary responsibility of any elected official is to uphold the law. “If you can’t follow the law, you have no business being in office,” Homan said.
Under Trump’s renewed immigration policies, sanctuary cities like Denver are set to face significant challenges. Trump’s administration has signaled its intention to withhold federal funding from jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Johnston, however, appears undeterred, suggesting that Denver could rely on community resources to counter potential federal penalties. “We’ll find other ways to support our city,” he said.
Critics argue that Johnston’s defiance could backfire, exposing Denver residents to legal and financial consequences. Opponents of sanctuary city policies also contend that such measures prioritize ideology over public safety.
Johnston’s reference to the Tiananmen Square protests—where Chinese troops killed hundreds of unarmed demonstrators in 1989—drew swift backlash from critics, who called the analogy tone-deaf and disrespectful.
While Johnston walked back the comment, he stood by his vision of Denver as a city willing to “stand up for its values” against federal pressure.
His comments reflect the broader tension between local officials advocating for immigrant protections and federal authorities pushing for stricter enforcement.
Homan’s criticism of Johnston aligns with the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on sanctuary policies. In his new role as Border Czar, Homan will oversee efforts to enforce immigration laws more aggressively, including targeting jurisdictions that obstruct federal operations.
“The American people deserve leaders who put their safety first,” Homan said. “Cities that refuse to cooperate with ICE are undermining the rule of law and putting their communities at risk.”
Homan also warned that defiance from local officials could have legal consequences. “Mayors who openly obstruct federal law enforcement are not above the law,” he stated. “If they want to test that, we’re ready.”
The clash between Homan and Johnston underscores the heightened tensions surrounding immigration policy as Trump prepares to assume office. While Johnston’s stance has garnered support from some progressive activists, it has also drawn criticism from legal experts and political analysts who warn that open defiance could invite federal intervention.
As the debate unfolds, Denver’s sanctuary city policies could become a test case for how far local officials are willing to go to challenge federal authority—and how far the federal government is prepared to go to enforce compliance.
For Homan, the message is clear: no city or mayor is above the law. “We’ll enforce the law, and we’ll do it decisively,” Homan said. “That’s not just our duty; it’s our obligation to the American people.”
Whether Johnston’s “fortress of resistance” holds up against federal scrutiny remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the battle over sanctuary cities is far from over.
11 Comments
Throw this imbecile of a mayor in jail
Uhh, not to pick but you mispelled TRAITOR as imbecile.
Johnston is a fool. NO ONE IN AURORA OR ELSEWHERE wants these illegals to stay here and contrary to his opinion NO POLICE WILL STAND WITH HIM TO BREAK THE LAW. Johnston is on his way to a HUGE RECALL.
How did this fool ever become the mayor of a major American City ??? Idiot voters….
Johnston is a good little liberal minion. There is absolutely no positive logical reason to let unvetted illegals in our country. They bring drugs, crime and disease with them. More importantly an unwillingness to support themselves. As a politician Johnston has a fiscal responsibility to spend taxpayer dollars prudently. Supporting illegals is not prudent!
I don’t think he will have the authority to throw anyone in jail. A judge can do that after sufficient evidence to warrant being in jail or after a guilty plea or verdict in a trial, No person has the authority to just decide I think I will put that person in jail. They may have the authority to arrange it and then only if there is a law that the person breaks.
Homan has already cited U.S. Code down to sub-paragraph and will likely have the U.S. Marshal Service at his disposal to execute the arrests. Whether they are held for any length of time will be up to a judge, but it is federal law and Americans are being harmed. Interesting times ahead for sure.
Thanksgiving is upon us the turkey mayor is a real gobbler
Sorry but you know NOTHING. J6ers were held in FEDERAL PRISONS for LONGER than that possible sentence, kept from their attorneys, moved so they had to find another attorney, and NO JUDGE was ever involved in that. It was all DC prosecutors and the leftists that did this.
People were picked up YEARS after J6, pulled across the nation, placed in federal PRISONS (not jails) and held there LONGER than the possible sentencing. According to the left, all constitutional. Guess what: the pendulum is about to swing. The rules are set. Use ONE DOLLAR of federal money and do what he is suggesting, use one taxpayer dollar in violation of federal law, fail to report one required report to the feds because of your political bent and you may just wind up in Feeral Prison without trial.
The federal government has the authority to enforce immigration laws where as states have limited powers for immigration enforcement and city authorities have basically no say in immigration policy. This mayor is just postering like a big turkey. He better head for the woods since thanksgiving is upon us. Gobble Gobble Turkey Head.
Take him to jail in a federal jurisdiction that is NOT in Colorado or any other RED State. Texas or IOWA might be good. Do it under a change of venue request due to political activism and inability to gain an IMPARTIAL JURY.
In other words send him to a place that is like sending a conservative to DC for trial if possible, but at least a place where the jury is not already poisoned.