In a recent interview with WesternSlopeNow, Mesa County Commissioner Janet Rowland expressed strong opposition to Denver Mayor Mike Johnston's comments suggesting the potential of making Mesa County a sanctuary county. Mayor Johnston's remarks about forming a "partnership" with Fort Collins and Grand Junction raised concerns among Mesa County officials.

Following Mayor Johnston's statement, Mayor Anna Stout reached out to clarify the situation and received an apology from Mayor Johnston, who admitted to not having received any commitments or plans from the city regarding the issue.

Commissioner Rowland, alongside the commissioner's office, is steadfast in their efforts to prevent Mesa County from adopting sanctuary city policies. "We are taking a three-pronged approach," stated Commissioner Rowland. "First, we are clarifying through a resolution that Mesa County is not and will not become a sanctuary county. Second, we are developing an emergency preparedness plan in case of any potential influx of immigrants to Mesa County. And third, we will be sending a letter to the mayor of Denver to emphasize our stance against accepting immigrants into Mesa County."

On Feb. 20, the Board of Mesa County Commissioners issued a letter to Denver Mayor Mike Johnston in response to the immigration challenges Denver is currently facing.

Highlighting the pressing issues already faced by Mesa County, Commissioner Rowland emphasized the county's commitment to addressing the needs of its current residents. With 2,300 unsheltered homeless individuals and 46,000 residents relying on public assistance from the Department of Human Services, Rowland stressed the importance of prioritizing these tax-paying individuals in Mesa County.

READ MORE:

• MESA COUNTY VOTERS DECIMATE ATTEMPT TO EXPAND TERM-LIMITS FOR ELECTED OFFICES

• DENVER’S SANCTUARY CITY POLICIES HAVE RUINED THOUSANDS OF MIGRANT LIVES, UNABLE TO FULFILL ITS PROMISES

• AURORA CONSIDERS HALTING SUPPORT FOR MIGRANTS AND HOMELESS, PRIORITIZING FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY TO CITIZENS

• FORMER MESA COUNTY CLERK TINA PETERS' CRIMINAL TRIAL DELAYED AGAIN

In the midst of these challenges, Mesa County remains resolute in its decision to uphold the well-being of its community members and resist pressures to adopt sanctuary city policies that may strain local resources and divert attention from existing social issues.