Op-ed views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

Now that Donald Trump has rightfully been re-elected back to the White House and most of his federal charges have been dropped against him, it’s time to finally get back to business and put the United States back on the right course. And that includes removing the millions of immigrants that have illegally seeped their way into our country.

As expected, however, there is resistance. Several governors already claim that Trump’s plan is so disheartening or extreme that they want nothing to do with it. Many Democrats are on board as well, believing his actions could border on being an act of cruelty.

But then there’s Mike Johnston, who currently serves as the Mayor of Denver, Colorado.

Per this report from Law Enforcement Today, Johnston has a plan when it comes to stopping Trump and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) team from deporting illegals – and his plan would put Americans at risk.

I’m not kidding.

In a recent interview, Johnston made it clear that the progressive mayor is pushing back against Trump’s policies. “We’re not going to sell our values to anyone. We’re not going to be bullied into changing them.”

First off… who’s bullying? The law is the law. Joe Biden violated the law and made a mess by allowing these illegal immigrants into our country. Allowing and encouraging them to stay would be lawless and irresponsible. Some of these illegal immigrants are hardened criminals who assault and even kill U.S. citizens. All Trump wants to do is clean house and give this country back to its citizens.

And who’s selling values? Your job is to make sure that your citizens are kept safe. Based on your actions, Mike, it appears you’re not on board with that.

By that, I mean that Johnston noted that he would use Denver Police Department officers – in an unconstitutional manner – to stop ICE agents from deporting illegals.

You heard that right. Hard-working officers who are already being pushed to their limits by criminals will now be forced by the mayor to act against federal government agents. And why? Because he wants to protect his precious illegals.

Oh, but it gets worse. Johnston also noted that he plans to get the citizens of Denver on board with the plan, “More than us having DPD stationed at the county line to keep them out, you would have 50,000 Denverites there.”

This is a problem. Johnston didn’t even ask what these citizens want to do and he’s trying to enlist them in his war against the newly re-elected President. Did he even consider if any of them voted for Trump to begin with? Clearly not.

Johnston has apparently turned a blind eye to what’s happening within his city. That’s probably the most concerning thing about this. Denver’s iconic 16th Street Mall, which has been a must-visit for years with its variety of shops, has seen an uptick in crime, and several businesses have fled as a result. Most of those criminal acts, mind you, are committed by illegal immigrants.

In fact, Denver as a whole has seen a crime increase. That’s why I said previously that Denver police officers are already being pushed to their limit. Imagine having to fight someone you don’t want to fight against because your boss said so. Ridiculous.

Whether Johnston will act has yet to be seen. Some have said he’s walked back his comments a bit but still remains steadfast against making sure Trump doesn’t waltz in to “do whatever he wants.” But he just needs to get on board with the program, for the sake of his city and his citizens. Public safety for citizens is his first duty.

Be as driven as you want, but the minute you act against your very people – and worse yet, put them at risk for your political cause – is the minute you forget what leadership is all about. It’s about taking care of who’s with you instead of putting them at risk for your goals. It’s about realizing what’s right for the city, not necessarily what’s right for you.

Bottom line, Mike. You should give this better consideration before you ask. Going up against the president’s policies to make this country great is one thing. Putting U.S. citizens’ lives at risk to do so is entirely another.

It’s time to be a team player. Not a tyrant.

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Michael Letts

Michael A. Letts, Founder, President, and CEO of In-Vest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bullet-proof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs.

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