Denver Authorizes Police to Protect Anti-ICE Protesters

Mayor signs executive order instructing local police to intervene if ICE uses excessive force

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The mayor of Denver has signed an executive order directing the city's police department to protect peaceful protesters, provide emergency medical assistance, and 'de-escalate' conflicts between protesters and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. The order also prohibits ICE from using city-owned property for enforcement operations and instructs local law enforcement to investigate and prosecute any ICE officer who assaults, shoots, or kills someone in Denver.

Why it matters

This move by Denver's mayor highlights the ongoing tensions between local governments and the federal government over immigration enforcement. The order is seen as a rebuke of the Trump administration's push for cities to cooperate more with ICE, and it could set the stage for further legal battles between Denver and the federal government.

The details

Denver police chief Ron Thomas stated that officers would not interfere with lawful immigration enforcement actions, but that they have a 'statutory obligation to intervene if they witness illegal or excessive force being used by any law enforcement officer, to include federal agents.' The executive order directs the Denver Police Department to protect peaceful protesters, provide emergency medical assistance, and 'de-escalate' conflicts with ICE officers. It also prohibits the use of city-owned property such as parks or parking lots for ICE enforcement staging or operations.

  • The Denver mayor signed the executive order on February 26, 2026.
  • The order comes days after President Donald Trump called on Congress to force cities to halt 'sanctuary' policies that limit local law enforcement cooperation with immigration authorities.

The players

Ron Thomas

The Denver police chief who stated that officers would not interfere with lawful immigration enforcement actions, but have an obligation to intervene if they witness illegal or excessive force.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who called on Congress to force cities to halt 'sanctuary' policies that limit local law enforcement cooperation with immigration authorities.

Abigail Jackson

The White House spokeswoman who responded to Denver's executive order, stating that 'ICE officers act heroically to enforce the law and protect American communities and local officials should work with them, not against them.'

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What they’re saying

“Federal agents are expected to follow local laws and public safety regulations. All law enforcement officers have a statutory obligation to intervene if they witness illegal or excessive force being used by any law enforcement officer, to include federal agents.”

— Ron Thomas, Denver Police Chief

“ICE officers act heroically to enforce the law and protect American communities and local officials should work with them, not against them. Anyone doing otherwise is simply doing the bidding of criminal illegal aliens.”

— Abigail Jackson, White House Spokeswoman

What’s next

The Trump administration is expected to contest Denver's executive order, as it has done with a similar law banning ICE from state property in New Jersey.

The takeaway

This executive order by Denver's mayor underscores the ongoing clash between local governments and the federal government over immigration enforcement. It highlights the delicate balance between protecting public safety and respecting the authority of federal immigration agents, and could lead to further legal battles between the city and the Trump administration.