The cost of inaction: A nation brought to its knees.
The announcement of President-elect Donald Trump’s plans to deport illegal immigrants has sparked a firestorm of opposition from certain politicians and officials who, in their pursuit of virtue signaling, appear to place their agendas above the rule of law. These leaders are publicly defying federal authority, grandstanding as champions of so-called democracy while undermining the Constitution and the will of millions of Americans who demand action on illegal immigration.
At the forefront of this opposition are several prominent political figures, whose actions reveal a troubling willingness to prioritize political optics over the welfare of their constituents.
A Coalition of Defiance
Several state and local leaders have made it their mission to obstruct Trump’s deportation initiative:
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Colorado Governor Jared Polis have formed the "Governors Safeguarding Democracy" coalition, vowing to challenge federal immigration policies.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is preparing for legal battles and calling for legislative measures to shield sanctuary laws.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, infamous for excluding white citizens from a city-sponsored Christmas party, continues her pattern of divisive policies by opposing federal immigration enforcement.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has also chimed in, emphasizing Mexico’s readiness to receive deportees while condemning U.S. efforts to address illegal immigration.
Each of these leaders, through lawsuits, sanctuary policies, and inflammatory rhetoric, seeks to obstruct federal law and portray themselves as defenders of human rights. But their posturing comes at a steep cost, both financially and socially, to the citizens they claim to serve.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston: A Step Too Far
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has taken this defiance to a dangerous extreme. His pledge to mobilize local police and 50,000 residents to block federal agents enforcing Trump’s deportation orders is not merely political grandstanding; it is a blatant act of defiance against the Constitution and federal authority. Johnston’s comparison of this potential standoff to a "Tiananmen Square moment" is inflammatory and irresponsible, suggesting a willingness to risk civil unrest and even violence.
Such actions directly conflict with the Supremacy Clause (Article VI, Clause 2) of the Constitution, which establishes federal law as paramount. By mobilizing police to obstruct federal agents, Johnston is teetering on the edge of insurrection, as defined under 18 U.S. Code § 2383.
Johnston’s rhetoric not only threatens the rule of law but also undermines the very fabric of federalism. This reckless behavior demands immediate legal scrutiny. As Tom Homan, Trump’s newly appointed “border czar,” aptly put it:
The Economic and Social Impact of Illegal Immigration
Johnston’s resistance highlights the broader financial strain illegal immigration places on cities like Denver. In 2024 alone, Denver allocated nearly $90 million to migrant support programs, including housing, job training, and legal aid. To fund these initiatives, the city has slashed budgets across vital departments:
Parks and Recreation: Reduced operating hours and summer programming.
DMV Services: Rotating office closures and reduced in-person services.
Police Department: Deferred building upgrades and other expenditures.
These cuts directly impact Denver residents, reducing essential services while prioritizing resources for migrants. Johnston’s passion for providing a safe harbor for immigrants is commendable on a human level, but it ignores the harsh reality that Denver cannot sustain these costs without hurting its own citizens. Beyond finances, the influx of illegal immigrants has introduced social risks, as demonstrated by tragic crimes involving undocumented individuals, including murders and assaults.
Why Trump’s Deportation Initiative Is Critical
While deporting illegal immigrants is not a perfect solution, it is a necessary one. The financial burden alone is staggering. The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) estimates that illegal immigration costs U.S. taxpayers $150.7 billion annually. Beyond the economic toll, the social implications are deeply troubling. Consider the following cases:
Laken Riley (2024): A nursing student murdered by a Venezuelan national who entered the U.S. illegally.
Rachel Morin (2023): A Maryland woman allegedly killed by an illegal immigrant from El Salvador.
Kayla Hamilton (2022): Raped and murdered by an illegal immigrant and MS-13 gang member.
These tragic stories underscore the urgent need for action. The United States cannot afford to ignore the consequences of illegal immigration, which not only drains resources but also endangers lives. Deportation is not about vilifying immigrants; it is about protecting citizens and upholding the rule of law.
A Call to Action
Leaders like Mike Johnston must stop the grandstanding and focus on their primary duty: serving their constituents and respecting the law. Denver’s current trajectory—strained budgets, reduced services, and heightened social risks—shows that Johnston’s priorities are misplaced. Rather than obstructing federal efforts, he should collaborate to address the root causes of illegal immigration while ensuring the safety and well-being of Denver’s residents.
Trump’s deportation initiative is not a popular decision for everyone, but it is a necessary step toward restoring order, reducing financial strain, and protecting American lives. The 600,000+ criminals allowed into the country under the Biden-Harris administration are a stark reminder of the dangers of inaction. As Trump moves forward, there must be a humanitarian aspect to these efforts, ensuring that deportation prioritizes those who pose the greatest threat while safeguarding the dignity of all involved.
In the end, the question is simple: If the safety, security, and financial stability of this nation aren’t reason enough to act, then what is? Leaders like Johnston and other “lawbreakers” opposing federal enforcement must remember that their duty is to uphold the laws of this land—not to defy them for political gain.
This is not just about politics; it is about the survival of a nation. President Trump’s commitment to solving this crisis is a step in the right direction. While the road ahead may be contentious, doing nothing is no longer an option.
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