In a bold move reflecting the city's stance on immigration enforcement, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston announced an executive order aimed at increasing the accountability of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents operating in the city. The executive order specifically instructs local law enforcement to detain ICE agents who are found to have used excessive force against residents. This directive emerges amidst a growing sentiment among some local leaders who are critical of ICE's practices and their impact on community safety.

The mayor's statement emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all Denver residents, regardless of their immigration status. Johnston pointed out that city first responders would continue to provide life-saving care to anyone in need, highlighting the principle that no ICE agent should interfere with these efforts. He was quoted saying, “No ICE officer gets to stand in our way of saving someone's life,” underlining the city's commitment to protecting its community from potential abuse by federal agents.

This order also places Denver in a broader national conversation where mayors and local authorities are reevaluating their relationship with federal immigration enforcement. Following similar rhetoric from other cities, including extreme comparisons made by Philadelphia’s top prosecutor regarding ICE, Johnston's executive order signals a potential shift in local jurisdictions asserting their authority over federal immigration policies. The implications of this order could extend beyond Denver, influencing how other cities approach their interactions with immigration enforcement in the future.