Denver Mayor Orders Protection of Protesters, Bans ICE from City Property

The order aims to shield peaceful demonstrators and restrict federal immigration enforcement operations.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 7:22pm

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Denver Mayor Mike Johnston signed an executive order authorizing the city's police to protect peaceful protesters against federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and banning ICE from using any city-owned property. The move comes in the aftermath of recent fatal shootings by federal agents in Minnesota and is part of a broader effort by Democratic mayors and governors to counter the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

Why it matters

The order is the latest example of local governments pushing back against the federal government's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, which have been criticized by human rights advocates for creating a climate of fear and violating due process and free speech rights. It also highlights the growing tensions between Democratic-led cities and the Trump administration over immigration policy.

The details

Mayor Johnston's order directs the city's law enforcement agencies to use de-escalation protocols to protect peaceful protesters in the event of civil immigration enforcement operations, including a surge in ICE agents. The order also bans ICE from using any city-owned parking lots, ramps, garages, or vacant lots to stage immigration enforcement activities. The mayor warned that the city will intervene to detain and remove any ICE officer found using excessive force against a Denver resident.

  • On February 26, 2026, Mayor Johnston signed the executive order.
  • The order comes in the aftermath of the January fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minnesota.

The players

Mike Johnston

The Democratic mayor of Denver who signed the executive order to protect protesters and restrict ICE operations in the city.

Donald Trump

The Republican president whose administration has used ICE to carry out an aggressive immigration crackdown that has been condemned by human rights advocates.

Jacob Frey

The Democratic mayor of Minneapolis who signed an order prohibiting the use of city-owned property for immigration enforcement operations.

Abigail Jackson

The White House spokeswoman who criticized local officials for working against ICE, saying they are "doing the bidding of criminal illegal aliens."

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What they’re saying

“If we see any ICE officer using excessive force against a Denver resident, we will step in to detain that officer and remove them from the situation.”

— Mike Johnston, Mayor of Denver

“We hold our own officers to that standard, and we will hold any ICE agent to the same.”

— Mike Johnston, Mayor of Denver

“Anyone doing otherwise is simply doing the bidding of criminal illegal aliens.”

— Abigail Jackson, White House Spokeswoman

What’s next

The order is expected to face legal challenges from the federal government, which has threatened to withhold funding from cities that defy its immigration enforcement efforts.

The takeaway

This order highlights the growing tensions between Democratic-led cities and the Trump administration over immigration policy, as local governments seek to protect the rights and safety of their residents in the face of aggressive federal enforcement tactics.