Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) addressed comments made by leftist Denver Mayor Mike Johnston concerning immigration policies, urging Republican governors to transport undocumented immigrants to Denver. Johnston previously declared his intention to shield illegals from deportation when President-elect Donald J. Trump assumes office.
In a discussion with local media, Johnston expressed plans to position Denver police at county borders to prevent the entry of federal immigration officers, stating his willingness to face imprisonment to hinder deportations.
Cruz, during an episode of his “Verdict” podcast, called upon Republican state governors, specifically naming Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, to send migrants arriving in their states to Denver as a reaction to Johnston’s remarks. The Texas Republican suggested that immigrants be transported directly to the mayor’s residence, emphasizing the mayor’s commitment to hosting them.
Sen. Cruz framed his recommendation as a challenge to see if Denver residents support Johnston’s vow to defy federal immigration laws. He mentioned potential negative consequences, highlighting public safety concerns and predicting local opposition to the influx of migrants.
President-elect Trump’s incoming border czar Tom Homan also reacted to Johnston, saying, “Me and the Denver mayor, we agree on one thing; he’s willing to go to jail. I’m willing to put him in jail.”
“I find it hard to believe that any mayor or governor would say they don’t want public safety threats removed from their neighborhoods,” Homan said.
The Denver suburb of Aurora made headlines earlier this year when members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang took over entire apartment buildings at gunpoint and were reportedly extorting money from the residents. President-elect Trump has vowed to specifically target Tren de Aragua as part of “Operation Aurora,” using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.