Denver Shuts Migrant Shelters, Asks Property Owners to House “Newcomers”
The city of Denver is taking steps to address its budget deficit by shutting down several migrant shelters and seeking alternative housing options for illegal immigrants. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston announced the decision, stating that the city aims to reduce the budget deficit by nearly $60 million and redirect those funds back into city services. In response, the city has consolidated existing shelters and reached out to local property owners for assistance.
Jon Ewing, from Denver Human Services, explained that the city is actively seeking ways to house illegal immigrants, reaching out to landlords and setting a rent cap of $2,000. Local non-profit organizations have also joined the effort, helping to connect migrants with various housing options. As a result, the number of migrants in shelters has significantly decreased from 4,500 in January to below 1,800 currently.
Furthermore, the city has been successful in obtaining work permits for many migrants, allowing them to contribute economically and pay for their accommodation. Ewing highlighted that over the past two weeks, they have helped 1,300 migrants obtain work permits, which is a significant achievement.
Denver’s handling of the illegal immigrant crisis has sparked concerns among local residents. Mayor Johnston had previously predicted that the crisis would cost the city around $180 million. In response, the city has already cut $5 million from public services, blaming Republicans and former President Donald Trump. The city has supported over 38,000 migrants from the southern border, incurring costs of nearly $58 million so far.
The majority of migrants arriving in Denver since 2023 are Venezuelans, according to the Colorado Sun. However, the influx of migrants has strained the city’s resources, particularly its health system. Last year alone, approximately 8,000 illegal immigrants made around 20,000 visits to Denver Health for various medical services, including emergency room treatment, primary care, dental care, and childbirth.
Denver, a sanctuary city, has been grappling with the challenges of accommodating the growing number of migrants. The city’s limited resources have been stretched thin, and Texas has transported thousands of migrants to Denver to highlight the difficulties faced by border states when dealing with an influx of migrants. It’s worth noting that while Denver has passed laws to become a sanctuary city, there is no official policy that obligates the local government to provide shelter indefinitely.
The city’s decision to close migrant shelters and seek alternative housing options for illegal immigrants reflects its commitment to addressing the budget deficit. By reallocating funds back into city services, Denver aims to better serve its residents. However, concerns remain about the strain on resources and the long-term sustainability of providing support for migrants.
