Denver Allocates $8.9M in Police Budget for Migrant Housing

A Denver finance committee has approved $14.6 million in cuts to the city’s police and fire departments — a portion of the total $41 million in cuts — to fund “newcomer operations,” as referred to by the Democrat mayor for housing migrants.

The $8.9 million cut to the city police department approved by Denver City Council’s Finance and Governance Committee on Tuesday is reported to be the largest ever in the city’s budget. Additionally, the sheriff’s office is facing a $3.8 million cut and the fire department $2.4 million.

The proposal will now progress to the full city council for approval on Monday and if passed, will take effect on May 10, as reported by KDVR on Wednesday.

Denver is implementing these cuts in order to offset the $89.9 million in costs associated with being a sanctuary city for illegal migrants.

“After more than a year of dealing with this crisis together, Denver has finally developed a sustainable plan to treat our newcomers with respect while avoiding major cuts to city services,” stated Denver Mayor Mike Johnston during a press conference promoting the “Newcomer Operations and 2024 Budget.”

The cuts to the police and fire departments account for the largest portion in terms of dollars.

Denver has provided shelter to over 41,000 migrants at a cost of $68 million. Currently, there are 712 migrants in Denver’s hotel shelter and 86 in short-term shelter, according to KDVR.

The majority of the $89.9 million allocated for migrants will go towards shelter and housing, amounting to $51.7 million. The city is also setting aside $19.5 million for one-time capital costs and contingency.

Earlier this month, officials from Johnston’s office informed migrants that the city was offering 20,000 one-way tickets out of town.

Andres Carrera, a city official, addressed new arrivals in a migrant shelter, stating in Spanish, “The opportunities are over. 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. We can take you up to the Canadian border, wherever!” reported the Daily Mail. Carrera’s interaction was recorded.

The group Carrera spoke to was transported to Denver from Texas by Gov. Greg Abbott on March 26, a city spokesperson disclosed, according to the Daily Mail.

The number of migrants who accepted the offer remains unknown.