Mayor Mike Johnston, who is fluent in Spanish, listened to concerns from Venezuelan migrants at the city’s welcoming center in north Denver in 2024. Photo courtesy of the Mayor’s Office

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston will appear before the U.S. House Oversight Committee on March 5 as part of what the committee described as an investigation of “sanctuary jurisdictions,” according to a statement from his office.

Spokesperson Jordan Fuja says, “For the last two years, Denver has shown the country that you can be a compassionate and welcoming city without sacrificing public safety or core services. We look forward to discussing with the committee.”

Johnston was previously asked to testify on Feb 11, in a letter sent to him stating, “The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is investigating sanctuary jurisdictions across the United States and their impact on public safety and the effectiveness of federal efforts to enforce the immigration laws of the United States. Sanctuary jurisdictions and their misguided and obstructionist policies hinder the ability of federal law enforcement officers to effectuate safe arrests and remove dangerous criminals from American communities, making Americans less safe. Denver is a sanctuary jurisdiction that refuses to fully cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.”

Four cities were cited in the letter: Denver, Chicago, New York City, and Boston.

The announcement by the mayor’s office came on the same day a large protest formed in downtown Denver in support of immigrant rights. Thousands of people gathered to voice their opposition to policies of the Trump administration.

In the morning hours Wednesday, immigration agents and other federal agencies raided at least two apartment complexes in Denver and Aurora: The Edge at Lowry apartments at 1218 Dallas St., Aurora; and the Cedar Run Apartments at 888 South Oneida St., Denver.

In a video posted on X, an immigration agent said the enforcement operation was targeting 100 alleged Tren de Aragua gang members here from Venezuela.  It’s not clear how many people were taken into custody.

Johnston said Denver Police officers and city authorities weren’t involved with the enforcement actions today and the City was not given prior notice about the enforcement.

Denverites with questions about the city’s immigration laws or are in need of services can find more information at denvergov.org/immigrantsupport or by calling 311.