Denver, CO

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston on immigration raids: “We know there’s a lot of fear … we’re not going to be bullied”

Published

1 year ago

January 30, 2025

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston on immigration raids: “We know there’s a lot of fear … we’re not going to be bullied”

In recent years, the City of Denver has served more than 40,000 migrants. Now, Mayor Mike Johnston is being asked to testify in a hearing on immigration and so-called “sanctuary jurisdictions.”

On Wednesday Johnston and CBS Colorado’s Jasmine Arenas discussed how immigration issues have impacted the community. He said it has been difficult to have conversations with families about deportation, but despite the challenges, he stands by his decision to support families with what the resources the city can.

“We didn’t choose this outcome. When the governor of Texas decided to send 40,000 people on buses to Denver, we made sure we were going to serve them,” Johnston said.

Since then, the City of Denver has spent more than $350 million on migrant services. Despite this, Denver has never identified itself as a “sanctuary city.” Johnston is at the forefront of the criticism.

“What does the term ‘sanctuary city’ mean to you?” Arenas said.

“What that means for Denver is we do not ask someone’s immigration status. We don’t know your status, so we don’t share your status with other federal agencies. However, if the federal government, like (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement), identifies someone in our jails and wants to deport them or take action when they’re released, we notify them when the person is being released, and they can pick them up at that point,” Johnston said.

Johnston added that, so far, ICE has not directly reached out to his administration for any collaboration on this.

“But if they do send notice requests to the jail, we respond, and we’ve had a few over the last few weeks,” he said.

In the past year, Johnston’s administration has been focused on finding solutions, including launching the Denver Asylum Seeker Program, which has successfully integrated migrants into the workforce.

“They’re now working, paying taxes and supporting their families. We don’t want to see those folks pulled off the job or their kids taken out of school,” he said.

In recent weeks, his office has received a surge of calls from families concerned about their future.

“We know there’s a lot of fear, and we’re having those hard conversations. Denver is not going to change our values. We’re not going to be bullied or blackmailed into changing our approach,” Johnston said.

The mayor remains noncommittal on whether he will testify before Congress but said he is having conversations about it. Today, he also outlined his citywide goals for 2025, including lowering housing costs and increasing public safety.

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Denver, CO

Ranking the Broncos free agent needs on offense

Published

1 hour ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Ranking the Broncos free agent needs on offense

NFL Free Agency opens up on Wednesday, with the legal tampering period beginning on Monday. The top free agents usually all commit to a team during that period, so be ready to rock and roll to start next week.

I figured now would be a good time to do a little discussion around the Denver Broncos and where we think their top priorities should be on offense when free agency kicks off.

Broncos top FA needs on offense

Tim Lynch: For free agency, I’d say running back and tight end are the highest on my wish list.

I’d say pay big for a top free agent running back and ensure you have a monster two-headed backfield next season. They need a superior run-blocking tight end and, if they move on from Evan Engram, a pass-catcher too.

Christopher Hart: I agree with Tim. Those are the biggest needs for the offense. Getting a top-notch running back and a tight end capable of playing inline to replace Adam Trautman is a must. The two players I advocated a few weeks ago were running back Travis Etienne and tight end Cade Otton. Both would be fantastic additions and help take Denver’s offense to the next level in 2026.

Scotty Payne: Playmaker is the top and biggest need. That includes a RB, TE, and/or WR in that order.

Need to improve the run game regardless, need some sort of production out of the TEs as well as improved blocking, and if they can get a true WR1, that would be great too.

Ross Allen: I think we’re all in agreement.

Getting someone who can be the dominant running back and have RJ Harvey serve that glamorous “joker” role would be huge for this offense. And given that they also don’t have a legitimate playmaker at the receiving position hurts them. A TE or WR can fill that role.

Sadaraine: The #1 need for the Broncos on offense is a top-notch running back. I will be blown away if the Broncos don’t sign a top-tier free agent running back to upgrade the offense (and no, J.K. Dobbins wouldn’t be that guy…not with his injury history).

There’s a significant gap in need after that until we start talking about tight ends and receivers. I think we’re more likely to see more money spent on a tight end than a receiver, but this offense could use both to be sure.

Ian St. Clair: Not to beat a dead horse, but running back is the biggest need and priority for this team when free agency starts. Having a consistent and effective running game will make Nix and the offense exponentially better. It will make the team better. After running back, the Broncos need to figure out their tight end.

Adam Malnati: Give Bo a weapon. I don’t care which position. Yes, RB is a need. Yes, TE is a need (thanks a lot Evan Engram). Still, a weapon would be nice.

Predictably, we’re all heavily keyed in on running back and tight end. That was a big part of our free agent profile coverage too and for good reason. There have been many rumors around Denver looking to target both positions next week and where there is smoke there is usually fire.

The question really becomes: go big or go affordable? With the championship window open, I’m leaning go big on premium play-maker positions this offseason.

Where do you stand on this discussion? Give us your top free agent needs on offense and how you hope the Broncos address them next week.

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Denver, CO

Denver area events for March 5

Published

13 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

If you have an event taking place in the Denver area, email information to carlotta.olson@gazette.com at least two weeks in advance. All events are listed in the calendar on space availability. Thursday Camilla Vaitaitis Quartet — 6:30 p.m., Dazzle at Baur’s, 1080 14th St., Denver, go online for prices. Tickets: dazzledenver.com/#/events. Miguel — 7 p.m., Fillmore Auditorium, […]

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Denver, CO

Report: Broncos expected to ‘make a splash’ at running back

Published

1 day ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Report: Broncos expected to ‘make a splash’ at running back

The Denver Broncos are in the market for a running back.

Just two days after NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Denver wants to have the running back position addressed before the draft, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported that the Broncos are “poised to make a splash” at running back during NFL free agency.

“Denver is the reason why the Jets used the franchise tag on Breece Hall rather than the transition tag, according to sources, making sure Denver wouldn’t get the opportunity to put together an offer the Jets would refuse to match,” Jones wrote for CBS Sports.

Jones said the Broncos would be an obvious potential landing spot for Kenneth Walker, and he noted that Travis Etienne could be a cheaper alternative. The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider also reported this week that Denver is expected to “closely examine” the RB market, and he name-dropped Walker, Etienne and Rico Dowdle.

The Broncos also have an in-house free agent at RB in J.K. Dobbins, who has expressed his desire to remain in Denver. The Broncos can begin negotiating with pending free agents from other clubs on March 9, but no deals can become official until the new league year begins on March 11. In-house free agents can be re-signed at any time.

Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.

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