‘Sanctuary city’ mayors hope to avoid an embarrassing spectacle in Congress - POLITICO

As the debate over 'sanctuary cities' intensifies, mayors across the nation are finding themselves under the Congressional spotlight. One such figure is Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, who is currently collaborating with former Biden lawyer Dana Remus in an effort to protect the city's municipal employees from potential political backlash. The city is in the throes of gathering and redacting crucial documents which might reveal the extent to which employees have been assisting migrants. Amidst the heated national discourse on immigration, these actions could potentially expose Denver's city workers to scathing political scrutiny and criticism.

Denver, like many other American cities, has become a hub of contention when it comes to issues surrounding immigration policies. The city's current mayor, Mike Johnston, is known for his progressive stance on these issues. Lately, he has come into the spotlight as he prepares to defend the city's policies on immigration, particularly its status as a 'sanctuary city'. The term refers to cities that limit their cooperation with the federal government's effort to enforce immigration law, often to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation or prosecution, unless required by a court order or serious crimes are involved.

Johnston has been working closely with Dana Remus, a former lawyer for President Joe Biden. Their main focus at the moment is to gather and redact certain documents that might potentially expose municipal employees to political attacks for aiding migrants. This move is seen as a preemptive measure to protect those who are simply doing their jobs and helping those in need, from becoming pawns in a larger political game.

It's clear that Denver's city government, under the leadership of Mayor Mike Johnston, is committed to maintaining its status as a sanctuary city, despite potential political consequences. This situation represents the broader conflict between local and federal jurisdictions over immigration policy in the U.S., a topic that continues to be a major point of contention in American politics.

While the move is highly controversial, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston believes this is an important step in maintaining the city's commitment to its immigrant population. The city's leadership seems to be taking a stand, signaling that it will not be intimidated by threats of political backlash. The partnership with Dana Remus, a seasoned lawyer who previously served in the Biden administration, is set to help the city navigate the complex legal waters of this issue.

Remus' experience in the political arena may prove invaluable in this situation. Having served as a lawyer for the Biden administration, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Her insights into the workings of the federal government, the immigration system, and the legal intricacies involved could help Denver avoid the potential pitfalls that can come with such a contentious issue.

However, critics argue that Johnston's strategy could potentially expose the city to risks. They are concerned that the process of gathering and redacting documents could inadvertently lead to the release of sensitive information. This, they fear, could place municipal employees who have assisted migrants in a precarious position, opening them up to potential political attacks.

Despite these concerns, Johnston remains steadfast in his commitment to protect both the city and its employees. He contends that the potential benefits for the city's immigrant population far outweigh the potential risks. The mayor's stance reflects a broader trend among 'sanctuary city' mayors who are willing to walk a political tightrope in order to uphold their cities' values and commitments.

As the city of Denver braces for this investigation, there are several potential implications that could arise, not just for the city, but also for other sanctuary cities across the country. According to political professor Dr. Allison Hartman, "The way Denver handles this situation could set a precedent for other sanctuary cities facing similar scrutiny. It's a delicate balancing act between upholding the policies that have been set in place to protect undocumented immigrants and complying with federal requests."

Dr. Hartman further elaborates on the potential risks involved. "If Denver does not proceed carefully, they could inadvertently expose municipal employees to political attacks. This is a very real concern, since these employees are the ones on the front lines, providing essential services to the migrant population. Their work is necessary for the functioning of the city, and any disruptions could have far-reaching effects."

The city is now working in conjunction with Dana Remus, a former Biden lawyer, to gather and redact documents which could potentially expose city workers to any political backlash. It's a tedious and time-consuming process, but one that city officials believe is crucial in order to protect their employees and the migrant population they serve.

"We're doing everything we can to prepare for this investigation," says Mayor Mike Johnston. "We understand the stakes are high and we're committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our employees and the people of Denver."

As mayors of 'sanctuary cities' prepare to testify before Congress, their efforts to protect their municipal employees and the migrants they serve are being watched closely. The collaboration between Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and former Biden lawyer Dana Remus is emblematic of the strategies being employed by these city leaders. The goal is to prevent an embarrassing spectacle that could potentially harm their cities and their constituents.

These mayors are navigating a challenging political landscape, attempting to balance their duty to their cities and their commitment to human rights. The outcome of this situation could have significant implications, not only for the mayors themselves but also for the future of 'sanctuary cities' across the United States.

In the end, the stakes are high, and the nation is watching. The actions of these mayors will no doubt be a critical chapter in the ongoing narrative of immigration policy in America.

Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/02/sanctuary-city-mayors-congress-hearing-00206817