Denver mayor says city will work with ICE under certain circumstances

DENVER, Co. (KDVR) - The city of Denver is preparing for what some have said could be mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.

Now, federal prosecutors say they will investigate anyone who stands in the way of beefed-up enforcement of immigration laws.

Mayor Mike Johnston said in a statement among other things, Denver will cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in cases of violent criminals. The city will also notify ICE of a pending release if the federal agency requests that notification. 

But the mayor said Denver will protect schools, hospitals and churches. Johnston also said Denver police will not perform ICE actions. 

The city of Aurora said it will work with federal partners and follow federal laws. Aurora Councilmember Danielle Jurinsky said city officials should not stand in the way of new immigration efforts. She was vocally in support of Trump's "Operation Aurora" after it was announced in late 2024.

"I think it sends a very clear message. There's no gray area there. If you are going to take physical action to try and hinder the Federal operation you will be arrested there is no gray area there," Jurinsky said.

Jeanette Vizguerra, who took sanctuary as an undocumented immigrant in Denver, says fear is running deep in the community. Vizguerra said hardworking immigrants should be given permission to stay, but that's not the case for criminals. 

"I don't support these people. This is the consequence of these people. Deport them," Vizguerra said.

FOX31's Kasia Kerridge spoke with Johnston late Wednesday afternoon regarding the executive orders being signed by the new administration.

“We think our values are not going to change. We think we want to be both a welcoming city, and a city that serves all of our residents," Denver's mayor said. "We’re not going to be of bullied or blackmailed into changing our policies but we think our policies serve everyone well right now.

"We don’t ask your status if we stop you for running a red light, but also if we have someone in custody that ICE is looking for they could reach out to us and we can release them to them when they get released from our jails," Johnston said.

There have been no major reports of any ICE raids in the Denver area in 2025.

The Metro Denver Sanctuary Coalition is planning a rally this Saturday in Aurora, according to Vizguerra.