Denver's Leaders Realize the City Can No Longer Afford to Accept Indigent Migrants from the Southern Border
Denver is facing an unprecedented challenge, of its own making, as it grapples with the overwhelming influx of indigent migrants arriving from Central and South America. It’s city leaders are now coming to terms with the fact that Denver can no longer afford to accept weekly busloads of migrants and must find alternative solutions to address this growing crisis.
The crisis at the U.S. southern border has pushed Denver to its breaking point, straining its resources and budgets. Mayor Mike Johnston recently expressed his concerns about the city's capacity to shelter, feed, educate, and provide medical care for the increasing number of poor people arriving in Denver. He continues to emphasize the need for federal assistance in addressing this growing issue.
Denver is the “top recipient” for migrants because the city is the “shortest and cheapest bus ticket north of El Paso,” says Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. (NBC/Meet the Press)
As of last week, Denver was providing shelter for over 4,000 migrants, making it the city with the highest per capita intake of migrants in America.
The consequences of this massive influx are evident, with hundreds of poor non-English speaking individuals and families who are now homeless, struggling to find work. The situation has also led to a scarcity of available hotel rooms and resources across the city.
The strain on city resources is not only affecting migrants but also impacting long-time Denver residents, seniors, veterans, and public schools. The city is now faced with difficult decisions about how to allocate its limited resources most effectively.
In response to the crisis, Denver has renewed its offer of bus tickets to other cities of the migrants' choosing. This temporary solution aims to alleviate the burden on Denver while providing migrants with an opportunity to seek resources and support elsewhere.
“We’re hitting a point where there’s not much else we can do. ... We’re at over 4,500 migrants in shelter tonight,” says Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. (NBC/Meet the Press)
Earlier this year, city leaders disbanded the largest migrant encampment due to health and safety concerns and relocated its residents to two new group shelters. However, this effort was made possible through funding from council members' district budgets, amounting to approximately $300,000. While it provided temporary relief, it is not a sustainable long-term solution due to a lack of funding, staffing, and space.
READ MORE:
Mayor Johnston estimates that Denver's migrant crisis could cost up to $180 million this year, accounting for about 15% of the city's budget. These funds were originally allocated for vital city services, such as supporting local schools, driving economic development, and addressing the already critical issues of homelessness and mental health.
The influx of migrants has been staggering, with 144 buses full of migrants arriving in December alone, according to Denver Human Services spokesperson Jon Ewing. To prevent families from falling into homelessness, the city temporarily suspended its 37-day shelter limit for families since mid-November. However, given the current influx, the city will eventually have to resume family discharges.