Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has garnered national attention due to his unwavering support for President Joe Biden’s policies regarding illegal immigration. His assertive stance includes promising to use the Denver Police Department (DPD) to counteract the efforts of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) focused on deportation, particularly in response to the previous administration’s mandates under Donald Trump. However, this courageous rhetoric faced immediate scrutiny when incoming border czar Tom Homan admonished Johnston, reminding him that obstructing ICE operations is a violation of federal law. Following Homan’s remarks, Johnston quickly retracted his bold statements, expressing regret for the misleading image he presented and clarifying his desire for a resolution that wouldn’t require such extreme measures.
As Johnston engages in national discourse about immigration rights, citizens of Denver express feelings of abandonment, particularly the local homeless population. Tim Rogers, a Denver resident waiting for housing assistance, highlights a troubling sense of injustice in prioritizing migrants over locals in need of support. With insufficient housing options for the homeless, many locals feel sidelined by city policies that seem to favor newcomers. Rogers lamented the stark contrast between past support from law enforcement and the current lack of assistance, noting that the help provided to homeless citizens today is significantly diminished compared to prior practices.
Moreover, Johnston’s administration has taken steps to prioritize employment opportunities for illegal immigrants at the expense of local citizens. In a recent announcement, the mayor celebrated a new initiative aimed at connecting migrants with job opportunities, asserting that many possess the skills and eagerness to work. This program, aimed at addressing the labor shortages in the city, raises concerns among citizens who rely on the same employment opportunities yet feel overlooked by their own government. Critics argue that the focus on integrating migrants into the workforce reflects a misguided allocation of resources that neglects the pressing needs of local residents.
Denver’s ongoing support for migrants has not been insignificant; the city has reportedly allocated over $100 million to provide essential services for incoming asylum seekers since December 2022. With projections suggesting a potential expenditure of over $180 million by the end of 2024, the city’s funding strategy has shifted noticeably. Essential public services, including those for police and firefighters, have experienced budget cuts to accommodate the financial needs associated with supporting migrants. This shift in priorities has left Denver residents, especially those experiencing homelessness, feeling neglected and frustrated as they grapple with deteriorating local conditions in favor of providing for newcomers.
Despite the growing discontent among locals, Johnston has maintained his public stance, often positioning himself in front of media cameras to reinforce his commitment to the migrant population. His willingness to face potential legal consequences for opposing federal immigration enforcement reflects a contentious political climate. While he emphasizes the need for negotiation and sustainable solutions, the disparities in treatment and allocation of resources remain glaringly apparent to many residents who are left struggling within their own community amidst this focus on migration.
In summary, as Denver continues to welcome migrants under Johnston’s leadership, the discord between local needs and the administration’s immigration policies echoes loudly. While Johnston promotes his progressive agenda on a national stage, local constituents express mounting frustrations about the shifting priorities that appear to favor newcomers over long-standing residents. This tension highlights the complex nature of immigration policy at the city level, manifesting in tangible impacts on the community, particularly for those in need of immediate support and services.