Denver mayor faces criticism from hometown paper over promise to oppose Trump's deportation policy.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston faced criticism from his hometown paper for increasing violent language in his promise to oppose President-elect Trump's plan to expel undocumented immigrants.

On Monday, the editorial board at the Denver Post published an editorial titled "Denver’s mayor was mistaken to threaten armed conflict to safeguard immigrants," in response to Johnston's proposal to use the Denver Police to resist federal immigration officials carrying out their duties.

The editorial stated that while it was not surprising that Johnston raised the rhetoric about protecting Coloradans without legal immigration status, it does not justify his actions.

The newspaper advised the mayor to exercise caution in his choice of words instead of engaging in "Trump's escalation of violent language regarding illegal immigration."

The editorial advised Johnston to steer clear of violent confrontation and instead emphasize nonviolent resistance.

Johnston stated in a recent interview with Denverite that he was ready to demonstrate against anything he deemed "unlawful, unethical, or un-American" in the city, foreseeing the involvement of city police against federal officers and a "Tiananmen Square moment."

Was the mayor ready to be imprisoned for opposing the administration's policies?

"Johnston stated, "I am not afraid of that and not seeking it. My goal is to negotiate with reasonable people on how to solve hard problems.""

Last week, Tom Homan, Trump's "border czar" designate, stated on Planet Chronicle that he would imprison Johnston if he violated the law while protecting illegal migrants.

"If he examines Arizona v. U.S., he will realize he's violating the law. However, both me and the Denver mayor share the same viewpoint. He's willing to go to jail, and I'm willing to put him there."

This report was contributed to by Michael Dorgan and Hanna Panreck of Planet Chronicle Digital.