Gov. Jared Polis is finally starting to address the growing immigrant crisis in Colorado, but his actions have drawn criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. While Republicans blame him for signing a sanctuary law in 2019 that they claim has contributed to the influx of immigrants, others argue that he has not taken bold enough steps to address the issue.

During his State of the State address in January, Polis notably ignored the immigration issue, recognizing that the Colorado Legislature does not have the authority to make immigration law. Instead, he has repeatedly called on Congress to act. Despite allocating nearly $30 million of state and federal funds for transportation, nonprofits, and legal clinics, Polis has been criticized for not implementing more decisive measures.

Gov. Jared Polis saying states have little role in immigration crisis during an interview at the POLITICO’s Governor’s Summit on 2/22/2024. Polis saying, we are “frustrated.”

Unlike governors in other states, such as New York and Massachusetts, Polis has not deployed the National Guard or declared a state of emergency to address the immigration crisis. However, in recent weeks, he has increased his efforts to bring attention to the issue. He has conducted multiple national interviews and even traveled to the White House to discuss the matter with President Biden and other governors.

During a recent event at American University, Polis emphasized the need for real border security and expedited processes for immigration cases. He expressed frustration with the lack of meaningful bipartisan legislation from Congress and highlighted the challenges faced by states in dealing with the influx of illegal immigrants.

While Polis's recent actions have been welcomed by some, others argue that Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has been more proactive in addressing the issue. According to Axios, Johnston has even praised Polis as a "great partner" but has called for additional resources to help Denver cope with the impact of immigration.

City council members in Denver have echoed Johnston's concerns, expressing frustration with the lack of support from the state government. They expected more from Polis, who has historically been welcoming to immigrants. The city administration is working on plans to reduce the number of immigrants it serves and adjust the types of services provided.

Meanwhile, the Aurora City Council recently passed a resolution stating that it will not assist migrants and homeless individuals transported to their community from nearby municipalities – including Denver. The resolution has sparked tension within the city, with residents expressing opposing views during the council meeting.

READ MORE:

• Texas Gov. Abbott has sent at least 2,400 migrants to Denver since May

• Record-Breaking Surge of Migrants Floods the Southern Border, Denver Braces for Influx

• Migrants move to the streets after time at Denver shelters expires

As the pressure grows to address the immigration crisis in Colorado, Gov. Polis is facing criticism for his inaction and the perceived lack of support for Denver and other affected municipalities. The ongoing debate over immigration policies and the allocation of resources will continue to shape the political landscape in the state.

Please note that the information in this article is based on various sources, including Politico, Axios Denver, the Hill, CPR, Fox News, and The Denver Post.