Denver’s Controversial Approach to Immigration

Colorado Republicans are vocally critiquing what they describe as “out-of-touch” Democratic policies following recent statements by Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. The mayor has announced plans to station police in order to block Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from deporting migrants, countering federal efforts to curb immigration.

Financial Implications of Migrant Services

A report disclosed that the city of Denver has expended over 6 million in taxpayer funds to provide services for migrants. This financial burden translates to approximately ,900 for each individual migrant residing in the city and constitutes about 8% of Denver’s total budget for 2025. This data was highlighted in a recent report by the Common Sense Institute.

Rose Pugliese, the leader of the Republican caucus in the Colorado State Assembly, voiced her concerns regarding the fiscal impact of the large influx of migrants. According to her, the Democrat-controlled legislature has allocated an estimated 3 million towards supporting illegal immigrants since 2021, with a staggering 2 million dedicated solely to education.

The Cost of Illegal Immigration

Pugliese stated, “Without question, illegal immigration in Colorado has cost the state a significant amount of money that could have been spent supporting our constituents, roads, public safety, and other state services.” She believes that the Democratic response to immigration issues is disconnected from the reality faced by Colorado residents, particularly in light of the 2024 elections, where immigration has been a focal point of voter concern.

She criticized the lack of transparency from the state regarding the number of illegal immigrants, saying, “This is due to policy decisions by the majority in the state legislature over the last ten years. Preventing an accurate accounting only aggravates the issue for local and state budgets when planning.”

Local Voices Against the Policies

Roger Hudson, a city councilman from Castle Pines, a suburb of Denver, added his voice to the Republican critique. He lamented, “There’s nothing kind, there’s nothing hopeful” about the actions taken by the Democrats concerning the growing migrant population. He reported that Denver has received over 45,000 migrants since 2022, redirecting essential funding originally allocated for public schools and parks towards migrant services.

Hudson elaborated on the deteriorating conditions in Denver, saying, “Now they’re not mowing the grass in parks, the fountains are down, rec centers are closed, the homeless problem is completely out of control.” His remarks reflect a growing frustration with the impact of these policies on local communities.

Crime and Public Safety Concerns

Hudson expressed particular concern over the implications of unchecked immigration, stating that various communities, such as nearby Aurora, have experienced significant challenges with crime linked to incoming migrant populations. He referenced the Venezuelan gang “Tren de Aragua,” which has been reportedly terrorizing residents in certain neighborhoods.

He described the issues stemming from the influx of migrants, noting, “These migrants are preying on each other, they are abusing women, elderly individuals, and those who are disabled; they are robbing, and they are causing a drug problem that wasn’t here before.” Hudson concluded by emphasizing the disillusionment felt by residents, stating, “What the Democrats and what our liberals and progressives have done in our state is obscene.”

Political Accountability and Responses

In light of these developments, Republicans are calling for more accountability from local Democratic officials regarding their policies on immigration and the consequences for the community. A representative from the Denver City Council declined to comment on the expenditure report, claiming that the council, as the legislative arm of the city government, is not involved in the day-to-day operational decisions surrounding these services.