Denver’s 6 Million Price Tag for Migrants: A Deep Dive
In a bold stance against the Trump administration’s mass-deportation plans, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston recently declared he would be willing to face jail time for his convictions. Amid this political drama, a new report reveals that the city has spent an astonishing 6 million of taxpayer money to accommodate an influx of migrants—a fact that has spurred considerable debate over the city’s fiscal priorities.
Examination of Costs: Who Bears the Burden?
The staggering figure, which breaks down to approximately ,900 per migrant, comes from a recent study conducted by the Common Sense Institute (CSI). This non-partisan research organization focuses on safeguarding and promoting the U.S. economy. The analysis revealed that the sum represents about 8% of Denver’s projected budget for 2025, which totals around .4 billion. This includes not only city expenditures but also costs associated with regional educational and healthcare organizations.
Increasing Demands on City Services
Over the past year, Denver has experienced an unprecedented surge in the number of migrants arriving under President Biden’s administration. In response, Mayor Johnston has taken significant steps to mitigate financial strain, including cutting various city services. Essential services such as recreation center operations have been reduced, and traditional activities, such as the annual planting of spring flower beds, have been halted. The city has also utilized contingency funds to handle the escalating expenses related to supporting its new residents.
A Breakdown of Expenditures
According to the CSI, the majority of the 6 million spent on migrants has gone toward education, with significant additional spending on healthcare, transportation, hotels, and childcare. As a designated sanctuary city, Denver does not enforce federal immigration laws and does not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a policy that has shaped its current framework for managing migrant needs.
The Scale of the Influx
Since December 2022, approximately 45,000 migrants have arrived in the greater Denver area, leading to a burgeoning need for educational resources, as evidenced by the enrollment of 16,197 migrant students in local schools. The total financial implication for educational institutions related to these new students is projected to be around 8 million annually. Notably, this figure is equivalent to about 1-2% of the entire state budget allocated for K-12 education during the 2024-25 academic year.
Additional Strain on Healthcare Services
Medical professionals in Denver have voiced concerns that the migrant crisis is stretching the state’s healthcare system to its limits, raising alarms about a potential humanitarian crisis. The CSI study estimates that emergency departments in the Denver area have provided about million in uncompensated care for migrant visits, confirming that healthcare resources are under significant duress.
Projected Costs Versus Reality
The study’s findings indicate that Denver officials initially projected expenditures would reach 0 million through 2024, but actual city tracking now suggests a more conservative estimate of around million. This expenditure breakdown shows that 34.5% has gone to facilities, including hotels, while 29.4% has been directed toward personnel and 11% for food services.
A Stance Against Federal Policies
In light of these issues, Mayor Johnston remains steadfast in his opposition to policies he perceives as “illegal or immoral.” During a recent interview, he stated that he is prepared to engage in civil disobedience if necessary, which could lead to legal repercussions. “I’m not afraid of that,” Johnston said. “I think the goal is to negotiate with reasonable people to solve these tough problems.” His remarks prompted questions about his willingness to be jailed in opposition to federal policies, to which he responded affirmatively.
Political Ramifications and Responses
Johnston’s position is not without its adversaries. Tom Homan, who served as Trump’s designated border czar, suggested that Johnston would face legal consequences for sheltering undocumented migrants. “He’s willing to go to jail; I’m willing to put him in jail,” Homan stated, referencing the legal precedent established in Arizona v. U.S. and underscoring the potential conflict between local and federal immigration policies.
Conclusion: A City at a Crossroads
As Denver navigates this complex landscape fraught with immigration challenges, the tension between fiscal responsibilities and humanitarian ideals is palpable. The growing cost, rising political stakes, and the urgency to provide for those in need present a significant crossroads for the administration and the people of Denver. With Johnston’s commitment to social justice and defiance of the Trump administration, the next moves made by the city will likely have far-reaching implications for its future fiscal health and social fabric.
