Written by: Joe Gomez

Denver, a city known for its liberal policies, is now feeling the consequences of its welcoming stance towards immigrants. The city is facing a staggering $180 million budget deficit, and city leaders are scrambling to find solutions to the financial crisis.

Recently, in a move that has sparked controversy, Denver has announced the closure of three migrant shelters, citing the lack of funds as the primary reason.

The three hotels that have been serving as temporary immigrant shelters will shut their doors by the end of the week, leaving only one facility in northwestern Denver to accommodate approximately 800 individuals.

According to Denver Human Services spokesman Jon Ewing, the city also has "bridge housing" available to assist families with children as they transition from hotel living to finding permanent apartments.

Ewing justified the closures by stating, "We're moving along at a pretty good clip, getting people out of shelter, getting them with the nonprofits' assistance, getting them into housing, and so we simply don't need the shelters as much. It's an added expense we don't need to keep."

The projected savings from closing the three shelters amount to $60 million, contributing to the overall goal of reducing the deficit.

The influx of more than 40,000 immigrants, primarily from Venezuela, has put a strain on Denver's resources. City officials have been struggling to provide basic services and housing to the new arrivals, resulting in a burden on taxpayers who are already grappling with a housing shortage and skyrocketing rents. At its peak, thousands of immigrants were being housed in city-funded rooms at seven hotels and three other buildings.

Denver has become the city with the highest per capita immigrant population in the nation.

In response to the crisis, emergency operations were set up, city buildings were converted into shelters, and clinics were organized to assist immigrants in applying for work authorization. While volunteers and nonprofit groups have stepped in to provide support, the sheer number of arrivals has overwhelmed the city and sparked resentment among some residents.

To mitigate the situation, Denver has actively encouraged immigrants arriving from Texas to seek shelter elsewhere. The city has even purchased 20,000 one-way bus tickets to other cities, sending a clear message that conditions will only worsen if they stay. Democratic Mayor Mike Johnston's political director, Andres Carrera, recently advised immigrants, "New York gives you more. Chicago gives you more. So I suggest you go there, where there is longer-term shelter. There are also more job opportunities there."

In an effort to address the budget deficit, Mayor Johnston has made difficult decisions regarding the immigrant crisis. Limits on the duration of stay in shelters have been reinstated, and cuts to city services have been announced. While these measures are aimed at balancing the budget, they have stirred controversy and raised questions about the city's priorities.

READ MORE:

• EXCLUSIVE CELL PHONE VIDEO REVEALS DENVER OFFICIAL URGING MIGRANTS TO LEAVE

• A 3RD PERSON SHOT AT DENVER HOMELESS SHELTER IN TWO WEEKS, NUMBER OF POLICE CALLS RISE DRAMATICALLY

• COLORADO DEMOCRATS' PUSH FOR STATE-FUNDED MIGRANT SUPPORT SYSTEM RAISES CONCERNS

• ANTI-MIGRANT SIGNS REMOVED FROM COLORADO STATE CAPITOL GROUNDS, SPARKING CONTROVERSY

Denver's fiscal challenges serve as a cautionary tale for other cities considering sanctuary policies. The strain on resources, the impact on taxpayers, and the financial burden should not be taken lightly.

As Denver grapples with its near $200 million deficit, the city's leaders will need to find sustainable solutions that prioritize the well-being of both immigrants and residents alike.