President-elect Donald Trump is wasting no time making good on one of his central campaign promises—getting serious about illegal immigration. The plan? Deport millions of illegal immigrants, especially those with criminal records, who crossed the border during the Biden administration’s tenure. It’s bold, it’s controversial, and, as you’d expect, it’s already sending Democrat mayors into a collective meltdown.
Trump’s administration has made it crystal clear: enforcing immigration laws is non-negotiable. For them, it’s about putting American safety first and addressing what Trump has called “unchecked lawlessness” at the southern border. But this tough-on-immigration stance isn’t sitting well with Democrat leaders. Cue Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, who’s decided that defying federal law is his hill to die on—literally, if you believe his rhetoric.
Johnston, leading the charge for the sanctuary city crowd, isn’t just saying he’ll oppose Trump’s policies. Oh no, he’s cranked up the theatrics by claiming he’s ready to be arrested over it. That’s right, the mayor of Denver is positioning himself as some kind of immigration warrior, willing to put his own freedom on the line. And Trump’s soon-to-be “border czar,” Tom Homan? He’s more than happy to oblige.
Homan, a no-nonsense enforcer with a storied career as the acting director of ICE, delivered his response on Hannity with the kind of smirk that only someone holding all the legal cards can muster. “He’s willing to go to jail,” Homan said. “I’m willing to put him in jail.” Boom. It’s not just a mic drop; it’s the sound of federal statutes backing him up. For Homan, this isn’t a moral quandary—it’s the law. And harboring illegal immigrants, as he pointed out, is a felony under federal code.
While Homan is laser-focused on removing public safety threats, Johnston’s approach has been to frame his defiance as a moral stand. The Denver mayor insists he’s not looking for a fight but won’t back down if one comes his way. Comparing Trump’s deportation plan to a “Tiananmen Square moment” (yes, he actually went there), Johnston has earned plenty of side-eyes, even from some who might otherwise support him. It’s one thing to resist policies you disagree with, but likening immigration enforcement to a violent government crackdown? That’s a stretch even for the most committed progressive.
Despite his dramatic proclamations, Johnston has shown some willingness to cooperate—just a little. He’s okay with deporting violent criminals but draws the line at anything broader, labeling Trump’s mass deportation agenda as “un-American.” Of course, that’s a convenient dodge, given that the broader effort targets individuals breaking federal laws just by being here illegally.
For Trump’s administration, this isn’t just about rhetoric; it’s about results. The Biden administration’s relaxed border policies have given Trump a prime argument for ramping up enforcement. And Homan’s not bluffing when he says he’ll do whatever it takes to make it happen, even if it means hauling defiant mayors like Johnston into court—or jail.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. On one side, Trump’s deportation plan is a cornerstone of his “America First” agenda, signaling a return to strict border enforcement with even more urgency. On the other, sanctuary city leaders like Johnston are treating this as a litmus test for progressive principles, even if it means risking legal consequences.
One thing’s for sure: this clash isn’t going to end with a handshake. Trump’s team is gearing up for a legal showdown, and Johnston’s dramatic vows of defiance might just earn him the distinction of becoming a sanctuary martyr. Whether that’s a badge of honor or a cautionary tale remains to be seen, but for now, the message from Trump’s camp is clear: play by the rules, or face the consequences.
