Denver mayor blocks ICE from city buildings.

Mayor Mike Johnston signed an executive order barring agencies like ICE from city-owned or city-controlled buildings, and Denver City Council will vote Monday on a related proposal affecting federal immigration agents.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston signed an executive order Thursday that bars agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from accessing city-owned or city-controlled buildings. He said the measure is intended to protect residents, not to provoke the federal government. Johnston told Axios Denver there are no recent examples of ICE operating in city-owned properties and said the city cooperates with federal immigration authorities only under narrow circumstances. He tied the order to public concern about immigration enforcement and referenced two fatal January shootings in Minnesota involving federal immigration authorities. Key details: - The executive order bans agencies like ICE from entering city-owned or city-controlled buildings. - The order calls on Denver police to arrest federal agents who use excessive force. - Johnston said the move is meant to protect residents and denied it is performative. - City Attorney Miko Brown described the order as "measured and constitutional" and said federal agents found in violation could face civil penalties or criminal charges. - Johnston told Axios Denver there are no recent cases of ICE operating in city properties and that city cooperation with federal immigration authorities is limited. - The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Summary: The order establishes local limits on federal immigration activity in city-controlled spaces and directs local law enforcement regarding alleged excessive force. City officials framed the action as balancing respect for federal authority with local rules. The Department of Homeland Security had not responded, and Denver City Council is scheduled to vote Monday on a separate proposal that would ban law enforcement from wearing face masks.