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

The order authorizes police to protect peaceful protesters against federal immigration enforcement operations.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston signed an order on Thursday 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 of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minnesota, which has prompted Democratic mayors and governors to seek ways to counter the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

Why it matters

The order is part of a broader effort by Democratic-led cities and states to push back against the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, which have been condemned by human rights advocates for creating a fearful environment for both citizens and immigrants and violating due process and free speech rights.

The details

Mayor Johnston's order states that in the event of civil immigration enforcement operations, including a surge in ICE agents, the city's law enforcement agencies 'shall use their established de-escalation protocols to try to protect peaceful protestors' and ensure public health, safety, and the preservation of free speech rights. The order also bans ICE from using any city-owned parking lots, ramps, garages, or vacant lots to stage immigration enforcement operations.

  • On February 26, 2026, Mayor Johnston signed the executive order.

The players

Mike Johnston

The Democratic mayor of Denver who signed the executive order.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that has been the target of the mayor's order, which bans it from using any city-owned property for immigration enforcement operations.

Donald Trump

The former Republican president whose administration's immigration crackdown has prompted a backlash from Democratic-led cities and states.

Jacob Frey

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

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 (Reuters)

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

— Abigail Jackson, White House Spokeswoman (Politico)

What’s next

The order will be closely watched to see if it effectively protects protesters and limits ICE's ability to conduct operations in Denver. The White House has criticized the order, setting up a potential legal battle between the federal government and the city.

The takeaway

The Denver mayor's order is the latest example of how Democratic-led cities and states are pushing back against the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, highlighting the growing divide between federal and local authorities on this issue.