Sanctuary Cities Under Scrutiny: Denver Mayor Mike Johnston Faces Criticism Over Immigration Policies
Sanctuary cities, a term often used to describe jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, have become a focal point of debate in the U.S., particularly in cities like Denver, Colorado. Recently, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston found himself at the center of a heated discussion during a high-stakes hearing before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The hearing aimed to address the impact of sanctuary city policies on public safety and crime rates. Johnston, along with other mayors of sanctuary cities, was called to defend Denver’s approach to immigration and its effects on the community.
When questioned by Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) about whether Denver qualifies as a sanctuary city, Johnston distanced himself from the term. "We don’t use that definition," he said, instead referring to Denver as a "welcoming city." Perry pressed further, asking if Johnston’s stance meant Denver was not a sanctuary city. Johnston reiterated, "We call ourselves a welcoming city," emphasizing Denver’s commitment to inclusivity. However, Perry expressed concern that this approach might inadvertently provide a haven for criminals, asking pointedly if Johnston was comfortable welcoming individuals with unknown or criminal backgrounds. Johnston countered, "No, we aggressively pursue violent criminals."
Denver’s Sanctuary Policies and the Rise of Tren de Aragua
One of the most pressing issues in Denver is the increasing presence of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA), which has reportedly made the city its American headquarters due to Colorado’s perceived weak immigration laws. Republican Colorado Rep. Gabe Evans, a former police officer, shared his insights, stating that sanctuary city policies have allowed violent transnational criminal organizations like TdA to find safe harbor in Denver. Evans highlighted the consequences of these policies, including overwhelmed local hospitals, strained school systems, and a surge in fentanyl and tusi flowing into Colorado communities. He emphasized that Colorado has become the third most dangerous state, with a significant portion of the blame lying on sanctuary city and state policies.
Evans also pointed to a recent incident where a TdA gang member was released from custody due to Colorado’s sanctuary policies. The City of Denver released a video showing an ICE agent chasing down and arresting the gang member, who had just been released from jail. The individual reportedly assaulted an ICE agent during the arrest. In response, Johnston reached out to ICE to discuss "best procedures" moving forward, signaling a willingness to address the issue, albeit without fully abandoning Denver’s sanctuary approach.
Budget Cuts and Public Safety Concerns
The debate over sanctuary city policies in Denver has also raised concerns about budget allocation and public safety. Last April, Johnston announced $45 million in funding for programs aimed at supporting the growing number of migrant arrivals in Denver. This financial commitment, intended to avoid worst-case scenarios projected by the city, came at the expense of a $8 million cut to the police department’s budget. While Johnston’s office dismissed claims of "defunding the police," arguing that the 1.9% cut was less than the average 2.5% cuts across all city agencies, critics remain skeptical. They argue that diverting funds from law enforcement undermines public safety, particularly in light of rising crime rates and the presence of violent gangs like TdA.
Johnston’s spokesperson, Jordan Fuja, defended the budget adjustments, stating that they were carefully crafted to ensure no impact on public services or the number of officers on the streets. However, the reduction in police funding has sparked concerns among law enforcement and residents alike, who fear that the city’s sanctuary policies are prioritizing immigration over public safety.
The Role of ICE and Law Enforcement in Sanctuary Cities
The role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Denver has also come under scrutiny. In January, the DEA arrested approximately 50 illegal immigrants, many of whom had ties to TdA, which the Trump administration now classifies as a foreign terrorist organization. These arrests have heightened concerns about the presence of criminal organizations in sanctuary cities and the challenges law enforcement faces in addressing these issues.
Johnston has been a vocal opponent of Trump’s immigration policies, pledging to resist federal efforts to enforce immigration laws in Denver. He has emphasized the city’s commitment to protecting illegal migrants and maintaining its sanctuary status, stating that Denver would not be "bullied" into changing its stance. However, this approach has led to tensions with federal authorities and criticism from those who argue that sanctuary policies hinder law enforcement efforts and endanger public safety.
The Broader Debate Over Sanctuary Cities and Crime
The debate over sanctuary cities extends far beyond Denver, with critics arguing that these policies allow criminal organizations to exploit lax law enforcement and infiltrate communities. Chris Swecker, a former assistant director of the FBI, weighed in on the issue, stating that mayors like Johnston are "not doing their cities any favors whatsoever." Swecker warned that cartels and other transnational criminal organizations are powerful and adaptable, often taking advantage of cities with weaker law enforcement policies. He emphasized that while the Trump administration has taken steps to combat these organizations, they have a "50-year head start" and have expanded into various criminal activities, including human smuggling, extortion, and fraud.
Swecker also raised concerns about crime reporting in sanctuary cities, suggesting that some jurisdictions are underreporting crime statistics. He pointed to the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), which provides a more detailed and accurate picture of crime trends. Swecker alleged that many sanctuary cities, including Denver, are not participating in NIBRS, claiming they lack the technology to implement the system. As a result, crime rates may be grossly understated, obscuring the true extent of the problem.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Struggle to Balance Immigration and Public Safety
The controversy surrounding Denver’s sanctuary city policies highlights the complex and deeply divisive nature of immigration reform in the U.S. While Mayor Johnston and supporters argue that Denver’s "welcoming city" approach is rooted in values of inclusivity and compassion, critics like Rep. Evans and former law enforcement officials warn that these policies may inadvertently provide a haven for violent criminals and transnational gangs.
As the debate rages on, it is clear that finding a balance between protecting the rights of immigrants and ensuring public safety remains a significant challenge for cities like Denver. The hearing before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform served as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved, with sanctuary city mayors facing intense scrutiny over their policies. Whether Denver and other sanctuary cities can navigate this complex landscape without compromising public safety or betraying their core values remains to be seen.
