The United States Department of Homeland Security issued a letter last week telling the City and County of Denver that it may withhold millions of dollars in funding unless the municipality reveals information about its services for illegal immigrants.
The letter indicated that the agency had “significant concerns” that three grants totaling more than $32 million will be awarded to “entities engaged in or facilitating illegal activities.”
The funding were awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to groups who participate in FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program.
In fiscal year 2023-2024, that program granted $340.9 million to non-federal groups around the United States for “services associated with noncitizen migrant arrivals in their communities.”
Cameron Hamilton, interim administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, stated in the letter that Denver’s funding would be temporarily suspended until further monitoring was completed. The department made no commitment that the grants would be reinstated following the review.
As part of the review process, the department required that the groups receiving the funding submit the following within 30 days:
All documents regarding those who received services, including their names and contact information.
• A detailed and descriptive list of specific services provided.
• Proof of provision of these services.
Hamilton stated that this would allow the department to determine if the organizations “may be guilty of encouraging or inducing an alien to come to, enter, or reside in the United States in violation of law.” Transporting, harboring, concealing, and assisting were all identified as potential risks if discovered.
This all occurred only days after Denver Mayor Mike Johnston testified before the United States House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform about the city’s immigration policies, which Republicans believe make it a sanctuary city.
According to the city, over 42,000 “newcomers” have received assistance with housing, food, transportation, clothing, and medical treatment. In testimony, Johnston described the city as “safe” and “welcoming,” phrases that Republicans objected to.
“As we all heard, he referred to Denver not as a ‘sanctuary’ but as a ‘welcoming’ city, which has opened the floodgates for violent gangs like Tren de Aragua to take over our communities,” said a joint statement from Colorado’s Republican members in the U.S. House. “The people of Colorado deserve better than what they got Wednesday from Mayor Johnston. It is time that Colorado Democrats come to the table and repeal sanctuary policies and protect Coloradans.”
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