Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) called on Republican governors to send illegal immigrants to Denver following controversial comments by Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. Johnston, a staunch defender of sanctuary policies, pledged to block federal immigration enforcement in his city, even suggesting he would use Denver police to stop Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the county line.
During a podcast episode of Verdict, Cruz criticized Johnston’s remarks, accusing him of ignoring federal law and public safety concerns. Cruz called on governors like Greg Abbott of Texas and Ron DeSantis of Florida to bus illegal immigrants to the Denver mayor’s residence, arguing that Johnston’s policies should be met with action.
Johnston has faced backlash for his vow to resist deportations after President-elect Donald Trump assumes office. He likened potential confrontations with ICE to a “Tiananmen Square moment” and stated he would be willing to go to jail for his stance. Cruz predicted Denver residents would not support the mayor’s policies if faced with the real-world consequences of mass illegal immigration.
