President-elect Donald Trump is gearing up to fulfill a cornerstone promise of his campaign. He plans to deport millions of illegal immigrants, particularly those with criminal records, who entered the country during the Biden administration.

Trump’s incoming administration has pledged to enforce immigration laws vigorously. He wants to protect American communities from what he describes as “unchecked lawlessness” at the border.

However, his plans have met fierce resistance from Democrat mayors across the country, with some openly vowing to defy federal law.

Democrat leaders have vowed to put illegal aliens ahead of hard-working Americans. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston is one of the most vocal opponents. Johnston has declared his willingness to be arrested rather than comply with Trump’s policies.

So, Trump’s border czar had the perfect response.

From Fox News:
Democratic Denver Mayor Mike Johnston recently said he was prepared to go to jail over his opposition to the Trump administration’s border policies. The president-elect’s pick to be the next border czar responded that he’s willing to put him there…

“…But, look, 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.”

Trump’s Border Czar Responds

Tom Homan, Trump’s pick for “border czar,” isn’t backing down. During an appearance on Hannity, Homan responded to Johnston’s comments with a smirk and a challenge.

“He’s willing to go to jail,” Homan said. “I’m willing to put him in jail.” Homan cited federal statutes, including a provision making it a felony to harbor or conceal illegal immigrants. For Homan, the legal groundwork is clear—and so is his determination.

Homan, the former acting director of ICE, has built a reputation as a no-nonsense enforcer of immigration laws. He dismissed Johnston’s rhetoric as political theater, emphasizing that Trump’s administration will focus on deporting individuals who pose public safety and national security threats.

“It’s hard to believe any governor or mayor wouldn’t want public safety threats removed from their neighborhoods,” Homan said.

Mayor Johnston’s High-Stakes Gamble

Mayor Johnston is framing his opposition as a moral stand. In recent interviews, he’s said he’s willing to protest what he views as “illegal or immoral” federal policies, even if it means facing jail time.

Johnston insists he’s not seeking confrontation but is ready for it if necessary. His comments about a “Tiananmen Square moment” have drawn sharp criticism, with many questioning the appropriateness of comparing immigration enforcement to a violent crackdown on peaceful protesters.

Johnston has signaled some openness to cooperation, saying he supports limited deportations for individuals convicted of serious crimes. However, he has drawn a hard line against mass deportations, calling them un-American.

His stance highlights the broader divide between sanctuary city policies and Trump’s strict immigration agenda.

A Clash of Ideals

Trump’s plan, championed by Homan, represents a return to the immigration policies of his first administration with an added sense of urgency. The Biden administration’s perceived lax enforcement at the border has fueled Trump’s argument that drastic action is needed to restore order.

Homan emphasized that the new administration’s focus will be on protecting communities and saving lives. Critics like Johnston, however, argue that the policies disproportionately target vulnerable communities and create unnecessary fear among immigrants.

While Johnston claims his city is willing to partner with federal authorities to remove violent criminals, he sees Trump’s broader deportation efforts as punitive and counterproductive.

What’s Next?

Trump’s administration is preparing for a legal showdown with sanctuary cities like Denver. Federal law explicitly prohibits harboring illegal immigrants, and Homan has made it clear that his team is ready to enforce those laws, even against resistant local officials.

The question now is whether Democrat mayors will follow through on their threats of defiance—and how far Trump’s administration is willing to go to compel compliance.

The stakes are high for both sides. For Trump, the deportation plan is a key piece of his broader America First agenda.

For mayors like Johnston, it’s a test of their commitment to progressive ideals, even at the risk of personal legal consequences.

Key Takeaways:

• Democrat mayors, like Denver’s Mike Johnston, are vowing to resist, even if it means going to jail.
• Trump’s border czar has signaled that resistance from local officials won’t deter enforcement efforts.
• The clash between Trump’s administration and sanctuary cities will test the limits of federal and local authority.

Source: Fox News