On Monday, Fox News host Sean Hannity and President Trump’s nominee for Border Czar, Tom Homan, dissected Denver Mayor Mike Johnston’s controversial stance on federal immigration enforcement. Johnston’s declaration that he would willingly face arrest to protect illegal immigrants in his city sparked sharp criticism from Homan, who asserted that the mayor’s position blatantly defies federal law.
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Homan: “He’s Breaking the Law, and I’ll Hold Him Accountable”
Homan wasted no time condemning Johnston’s defiance, referencing Arizona v. United States, a Supreme Court case that upheld federal supremacy in immigration enforcement. He cited Title 8, U.S. Code 1324, which criminalizes knowingly harboring undocumented immigrants and obstructing federal law enforcement.
“Me and the Denver mayor agree on one thing,” Homan quipped. “He’s willing to go to jail, and I’m willing to put him in jail.” He emphasized that Johnston’s resistance to federal deportation efforts not only violates the law but undermines national security and public safety. “President Trump has a mandate from the American people. We’re going to secure this country and save American lives,” Homan declared.
Hannity Highlights Federal Jurisdiction
Sean Hannity emphasized the legal framework, questioning whether sanctuary city policies usurp federal authority. Homan confirmed that immigration enforcement falls under federal jurisdiction and argued that cities defying these laws create dangerous precedents. “Any mayor or governor who doesn’t want public safety threats removed from their neighborhoods is putting politics over people,” Homan said, expressing disbelief at Johnston’s rhetoric.
Johnston’s Controversial Comments and Backlash
Mayor Johnston, who has championed Denver’s sanctuary city status and provided resources for asylum seekers, has drawn national attention for his fiery remarks. He likened Denver’s resistance to pro-democracy protests in China’s Tiananmen Square and suggested the city’s police and residents would stand against federal enforcement. These comments were met with immediate criticism from conservative voices, including Donald Trump Jr. and U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, who accused Johnston of prioritizing undocumented immigrants over American citizens.
Facing backlash, Johnston later walked back his invocation of potential “armed conflict” with federal forces but maintained his willingness to resist deportation efforts. “If I believed our residents’ rights were being violated… I would certainly protest it,” he stated, clarifying that his goal is negotiation rather than confrontation.
Broader Implications
The clash between Homan and Johnston shows the deepening divide over immigration policy in America. For Homan and the Trump administration, enforcing immigration laws is a matter of national security and upholding the Constitution. For Johnston, it’s about protecting vulnerable populations and resisting what he sees as an overreach of federal power.
This debate is really about the bigger struggle between federal immigration enforcement and sanctuary city policies. As President Trump prepares to implement stricter deportation measures, this confrontation in Denver may serve as a litmus test for how sanctuary cities respond to federal mandates.
A Fight Far From Over
Homan’s remarks make it clear: the Trump administration is not backing down from its promise to secure borders and enforce immigration laws. Whether Mayor Johnston will follow through on his commitment to defy federal efforts — and face the legal consequences — remains to be seen. As the tension escalates, the nation watches closely, knowing the outcome may shape the future of immigration enforcement in the United States.