Denver Mayor Bans Federal Immigration Agents From City Property

Order mandates Denver police to protect residents and document any federal immigration enforcement activity.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Denver Mayor Mike Johnston (D) issued an executive order banning federal immigration agents from city property and requiring Denver police and sheriff's deputies to document any federal immigration enforcement activity, provide life-saving aid to those harmed, and intervene if federal agents use force that could cause death or serious injury.

Why it matters

The order is largely symbolic as Denver and Colorado do not have the power to stop federal immigration agents from operating in the city, but it represents growing tensions between Democratic-led states and the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement policies.

The details

Johnston's order mandates that Denver police and sheriff's deputies document federal immigration officers with body cameras, give life-saving aid to someone harmed by federal officers, and intervene if federal agents use force that could cause death or serious injury. The Department of Homeland Security called the order 'legally illiterate', stating that enforcing federal immigration laws is a federal responsibility.

  • On February 27, 2026, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston issued the executive order.

The players

Mike Johnston

The Democratic mayor of Denver who issued the executive order banning federal immigration agents from city property.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that called Mayor Johnston's executive order 'legally illiterate' and stated that enforcing immigration laws is a federal responsibility.

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What they’re saying

“We seek not to provoke but to protect. In a time of great fear, we are reminding Denverites that there are still those you can trust and lines you can't cross. Our law enforcement and legal teams will stand up for civil liberties, and, if necessary, step in to protect the life and safety of our residents.”

— Mike Johnston, Mayor of Denver (thehill.com)

“Enforcing federal immigration laws is a clear federal responsibility under Article I, Article II and the Supremacy Clause. While Mayor Johnston continues to release pedophiles, rapists, gang members, and murderers onto their streets, our brave law enforcement will continue to risk their lives to arrest these heinous criminals and make Denver safe again.”

— Department of Homeland Security Spokesperson (thehill.com)

What’s next

The legality of Mayor Johnston's executive order is expected to be challenged in court by the federal government.

The takeaway

This order highlights the ongoing tensions between Democratic-led cities and states and the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement policies. While largely symbolic, it represents an attempt by local leaders to protect their residents and civil liberties in the face of federal overreach.