Rand Paul suggests Denver mayor opposing deportations is ‘a form of insurrection’

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) cautioned Denver Mayor Mike Johnston about potential legal consequences for opposing President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed mass deportations of illegal immigrants. Johnston, who pledged Denver would remain a “welcoming” city, refused to assist in the deportation plan, which Paul described as a potential “form of insurrection.”

Speaking on CBS’s Face the Nation, Paul warned the mayor could face Supreme Court challenges or removal from office for resisting federal law. While critical of using the Army for deportations, calling it unlawful and damaging to public perception, Paul suggested utilizing agencies like the FBI, Border Patrol, or Immigration and Customs Enforcement instead.

Paul reaffirmed his opposition to using the military for immigration enforcement and stated he would not support confirming Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD) as Homeland Security Secretary if she endorsed such actions. Earlier, he criticized Trump’s proposed use of the Army as both illegal and against long-standing precedent.

Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) echoed support for strict immigration measures, warning Democrats opposing Trump’s plan risk further electoral losses. Abbott argued that voter frustration over illegal immigration demands decisive federal action.