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While Johnston has since attempted to walk back the Tiananmen Square comparison, the underlying message of defiance remains unchanged. Speaking with 9NEWS, Johnston admitted, “Would I have taken it back if I could? Yes, I probably wouldn’t have used that image. That’s the image I hope we can avoid. What I was trying to say is this is an outcome I hope we can avoid in this country. I think none of us want that.”
Johnston’s vision for Denver as a bastion of sanctuary policies is bold, but it raises questions about the legal and moral implications of his stance. His proposed “fortress of resistance” would see thousands of Denver residents physically obstructing federal deportation operations. Critics argue that this amounts to endorsing lawlessness and setting a dangerous precedent.
During his interview with 9NEWS, Johnston doubled down on his willingness to protest, stating, “If I believe that our residents are having their rights violated, if I think things are happening that are illegal or immoral or un-American in our city, I would certainly protest it, and I would expect other residents would do the same.”
However, critics note that federal immigration enforcement is lawful under the Constitution, leaving Johnston open to accusations of inciting civil disobedience to subvert legal authority.
Johnston’s fiery rhetoric has only intensified the controversy. When pressed on whether he would accept jail time for his actions, the mayor responded unequivocally: “Yeah, I’m not afraid of that.”
Despite his defiance, Johnston insisted he is not seeking conflict with federal authorities. “The goal is we want to be able to negotiate with reasonable people on how to solve hard problems,” Johnston said. “Republican and Democratic presidents in the past have all tried to find solutions to these problems. President Reagan helped people get access to work so they could stay and support themselves. Biden and Harris worked on restricting entry at the border to close it down. There are a lot of ways to approach this problem. We don’t think it has to come to this.”
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Johnston’s invocation of Tiananmen Square—a tragedy marked by violent government suppression—has drawn widespread criticism. Observers from across the political spectrum have labeled the comment as inflammatory and inappropriate, with some accusing the mayor of exploiting historical atrocities to advance a political agenda.
Johnston’s remarks have also put him at odds with Trump’s newly appointed border czar, Tom Homan, who has vowed to hold local leaders accountable for obstructing immigration enforcement. Homan has made it clear that city officials, including Johnston, could face legal consequences for defying federal orders.
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Johnston’s approach underscores the broader divide in America over immigration policy and the role of sanctuary cities. Supporters see Johnston’s actions as a moral stand against what they view as draconian immigration policies. Detractors, however, argue that his rhetoric and proposed actions undermine the rule of law and threaten to destabilize the relationship between federal and local governments.
As Denver braces for potential showdowns between local authorities, residents, and federal immigration officials, Johnston’s defiant words signal a growing resistance movement that could reshape the national conversation on immigration. Whether his gamble pays off or lands him behind bars remains to be seen.
