By Kanishka Singh
Feb 26 (Reuters) - Denver Mayor Mike Johnston signed an order on Thursday authorizing the Democratic-governed city's police to protect peaceful protesters against federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations and banning ICE from city property.
Republican President Donald Trump's administration has used ICE in an immigration crackdown that has been condemned by human rights advocates, especially after the January fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minnesota.
In the aftermath of those shootings, Democratic mayors and governors have sought ways to counter Trump's actions.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey signed an order prohibiting agencies from using any city-owned parking lots, ramps, garages, or vacant lots to stage immigration enforcement operations.
Johnston's order says that in the event of civil immigration enforcement operations, including a surge in ICE agents, the city's law enforcement agencies "shall use their established de-escalation protocols to try to protect peaceful protestors" and ensure public health, safety, and the preservation of free speech rights.
"If we see any ICE officer using excessive force against a Denver resident, we will step in to detain that officer and remove them from the situation," Johnston said in a news conference about the order.
"We hold our own officers to that standard, and we will hold any ICE agent to the same," he added.
The White House said local officials should work with ICE and not against it. "Anyone doing otherwise is simply doing the bidding of criminal illegal aliens," White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in a statement cited by Politico.
Trump has cast his crackdown as aiming to curb illegal immigration and improve domestic security. He has also threatened Democratic cities and states with federal funding freeze.
Rights groups say the crackdown has created a fearful environment for both citizens and immigrants, while violating due process and free speech rights.
(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Michael Perry)
