Denver Braces for Potential ICE Surge After Minneapolis Unrest

Local leaders and activists prepare for possibility of increased immigration enforcement activity in the Mile High City.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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After recent high-profile ICE operations and arrests in cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Charlotte, Denver officials are concerned the city could be next for an immigration enforcement surge. While the Trump administration has not issued any specific warnings about Denver, local leaders are taking steps to prepare, including legal actions, community outreach, and bolstering legal services for immigrants. Activists are also networking and training volunteers in case of a 'Minneapolis-like invasion of ICE'.

Why it matters

Denver shares key traits with other cities that have experienced ICE surges, including being heavily Democratic-leaning and having local officials who have clashed with the Trump administration over immigration policies. The potential for increased immigration enforcement activity has raised concerns about civil liberties, public safety, and community relations.

The details

Over the past year, ICE has conducted high-profile operations in cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Charlotte, arresting thousands. The Trump administration has cited the presence of 'criminal illegal aliens' as justification, though independent analyses found that only 37% of those arrested nationwide had past criminal convictions, with 7% for violent crimes. Tensions have flared in Minneapolis, where agents have clashed with protesters, resulting in the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens. Denver officials are carefully preparing legal strategies and community outreach to respond if a similar surge occurs, though they believe the national backlash over Minneapolis may have de-escalated the administration's efforts there for now.

  • Over the past year, ICE has detained more than 3,000 people in Chicago, deported thousands from Los Angeles, and arrested 250 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
  • Since late 2025, U.S. immigration officials have deployed more than 2,000 agents to Minneapolis.
  • In January, ICE agents in Minneapolis shot and killed two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
  • In September 2025, Denver filed an amicus brief supporting California's lawsuit against the Trump administration over sending the National Guard to Los Angeles.
  • In January 2026, Denver joined an amicus brief backing Minnesota's legal attempt to halt federal officials' Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis.

The players

Reuben Gregory

Programs director for the Denver Inner City Parish's Immigrant Center, a nonprofit that provides naturalization and legal services.

John Walsh

Denver District Attorney who says federal agents are not immune from prosecution and his office will investigate any potential crime scene involving a shooting by federal agents.

Mike Johnston

Denver Mayor who has steered the city into an amicus brief backing Minnesota's legal attempt to halt federal officials' Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis.

Jordan Garcia

Denver-based program director with the American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker organization that advocates for global peace and justice, who is helping volunteers network and prepare for a 'Minneapolis-like invasion of ICE'.

Laura Lunn

Advocacy and litigation director for the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network, which provides pro-bono counsel to immigrants in Denver, Aurora, and elsewhere in Colorado.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.