Denver police and Denver International Airport security seemed ready to clamp down the lid on a protest in the terminal Saturday night. Officers gathered around hundreds of sign-waving, singing, dancing protesters who were pushing back on President Trump’s ban on refugees and travelers from seven predominantly Muslim countries.

Then Rep. Joe Salazar stepped out from the crowd and started negotiating with a series of officials about the rights of the protesters, particularly since they weren’t really causing any problem. The police would be creating the problem, said Salazar, a civil rights attorney. The point of the protest was to show everyone is welcome, not to intimidate anyone. The atmosphere was festive.

Occasionally someone arriving up the escalator from the concourses would mutter or bark, “Make America great again” or “Go home.” The officers present were only that, present, so they too were collected and respectful.

Salazar talked calmly and listened to those he spoke with, while the protest carried on just a few feet behind him. The crowd remained remarkably chill and officers ultimately let the protesters disburse outside to continue, if they wished. The organizer, Denver-born Syrian-American college student Amal Kassir, handed out roses to many of the protesters as they arrived, reminding them to spread peace not hate. She told them that rose would never die.

Salazar, Democratic lawmaker from Thornton, Denver Rep. Leslie Herod and representatives of the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado were in the crowd talking up rights instead of resistance Saturday night.

On Twitter, Republican state Sen. Larry Crowder of Alamosa weighed:

Airport officials and Denver police maintained that the gathering needed a permit, and that’s required seven days in advance. Salazar thought that was silly.

“What if something happens that day?” he said in an interview, after negotiating with officials. “That makes no sense. That’s not how free speech is supposed to work.”

After the protest, Salazar said, “What happened tonight was textbook negotiations involving Mayor Michael Hancock, Alan Salazar, DPD Chief Robert White, Denver City Councilman Paul Lopez and peaceful protesters,” he said. “Everyone had a hand in ensuring that First Amendment rights were preserved while maintaining the security of DIA. I’m glad I could help where I could.”

He said Kim Day, the airport’s CEO, also played a role in ensuring a peaceful resolution.

“In this Age of Trump, it is better for public institutions and law enforcement to work with individuals, as I anticipate we will see many more peaceful demonstrations,” he said.

Herod was disappointed police were disrupting a peaceful protest, in the first place – one that people deboarding plans were clearly joining.

The airport said people could stay, but they couldn’t hold signs or sing.

“I’m disappointed that the Denver airport and police decided signs were illegal to welcome in visitors, your neighbors and your friends,” she said. “I’m on the art commission for the city, so I know we have art and we have exhibits here, dancing, singing all the time. That’s free speech, and we want to energize and enliven this space.

“It’s unfortunate that when it comes to supporting refugees and immigrants, we don’t consider that part of our cultural experience at the welcoming door to the city.”

Herod’s east Denver district includes many immigrant and refugee families.

Sunday afternoon Rick Palacio, chairman of the Colorado Democratic Party, released a statement:

“For the second straight weekend, people have poured into the streets to show Donald Trump that we will rise up, and that we, the people, will not be silent in the face of discrimination and racism,” he said. “Through this executive order, which is being challenged in court, President Trump has violated our American values and our constitution.

“Our nation is a nation that welcomes people of all races, religions, and creeds, and we are proud to stand with our brothers and sisters across this country against Trump’s refugee order.”

U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman, a Republican from Aurora who vowed to “stand up” to Trump during his re-election campaign, also had concerns: