Politics
Denver’s Mayor Faces Backlash Over Migrant Priorities
Clear Facts
- Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has been criticized for prioritizing resources for migrants over local homeless citizens.
- Johnston initially vowed to use the Denver Police Department to oppose ICE efforts, but later retracted his statement.
- Denver has spent significant funds on migrant services, potentially reaching $180 million by the end of 2024.
Denver’s Mayor Mike Johnston has found himself at the center of controversy, as his administration’s decisions have sparked outrage among local citizens, particularly those experiencing homelessness. While Johnston has been lauded for his support of President Biden’s migrant policies, many Denver residents feel neglected as resources are diverted away from them.
Recently, Johnston made headlines with his bold declaration to use the city’s police force to resist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. However, this stance was quickly retracted after Tom Homan, the incoming border czar, emphasized the legal implications of obstructing ICE. Homan stated, “It is a felony to harbor or conceal an illegal alien from ICE. Read the statute. Don’t cross that line.”
Following this, Johnston admitted his misstep, saying, “Would I have taken it back if I could? Yes, I probably wouldn’t have used that image.” He further clarified, “That’s the image I hope we can avoid. What I was trying to say is this is an outcome I hope we can avoid in this country.”
As Johnston continues to allocate funds towards migrant services, local citizens express frustration over being overlooked. A Denver native has been waiting for housing assistance for years, only to see migrants prioritized. He highlighted the struggles of locals trying to access basic needs, saying, “If they ask to get a pair of shoes they get a big runaround.”
The mayor’s administration has also launched a program aimed at providing job opportunities for migrants, despite the needs of local job seekers. Johnston defended this initiative, stating, “Our goal was to take what people saw as a crisis and turn it into an opportunity.” He emphasized the skills and willingness of migrants to work, adding, “We have employers in the city who are starving to find employees, and they desperately want to hire them.”
Despite the backlash, Johnston remains committed to his pro-migrant stance. In the face of potential legal consequences, he remarked, “Yeah, I’m not afraid of that, and I’m also not seeking that.” He expressed a desire for constructive dialogue, saying, “I think the goal is we want to be able to negotiate with reasonable people how to solve hard problems.”
Since December 2022, Denver has welcomed thousands of migrants, with Johnston’s administration dedicating substantial resources to their care. This has included free housing, medical care, and other essential services, with projected spending potentially exceeding $180 million by the end of 2024. However, as funds are redirected from essential city services, many Denver citizens feel left out in the cold, both figuratively and literally.
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