The consequences of Denver's 'sanctuary city' policies are being felt in neighboring Aurora, as hundreds of migrants are being sheltered at the expense of local residents.

The City of Denver, known for its lax immigration enforcement, has leased the Quality Inn in Aurora to accommodate over 400 migrants who arrived on Thanksgiving. This decision has resulted in long-term residents of the motel being pushed out, leaving them without a place to call home.

One such resident is Joe Sauceda, who had been living at the Quality Inn with his partner and their dog for nearly a year. When they tried to extend their stay, they were abruptly informed that there was no longer space available for them. Forced to sleep in their car for several nights, Sauceda expressed his frustration and questioned the fate of other long-term residents who were also displaced.

Aurora Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky, whose sports bar employs Sauceda, voiced her anger at the situation during a council meeting.

She pointed out that while Aurora is not a sanctuary city, Denver takes pride in its status as one. Jurinsky accused Denver Mayor Mike Johnston of busing migrants into Aurora, occupying hotels, and leaving American citizens and Aurora residents homeless.

In response to the backlash, the City of Aurora released a statement distancing itself from Denver's decision.

They emphasized that Denver's choice to transport migrants to a privately owned hotel in Aurora was made without consulting Aurora officials. The city expressed concern over the lack of communication from Denver regarding resources for the migrants, such as food, transportation, and other essential services.

Aurora, lacking the infrastructure and funding of counties that provide health and human services, is limited in its ability to house individuals.

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Mayor Johnston's office defended the decision, stating that the facility was opened in late November with the cooperation of Aurora and Arapahoe County officials. They claimed that the additional rooms were needed to shelter nearly 300 people who arrived in Denver on Thanksgiving Day. However, they assured that efforts were made to accommodate the displaced motel guests by offering them the same extended-stay rate and even a free week's stay.

The clash between Denver's sanctuary city policies and the consequences faced by Aurora residents highlights the challenges and controversies associated with such policies. While Denver prides itself on being a sanctuary city, the unintended consequences of displacing long-term residents raise questions about the priorities and impact of these policies.