Colorado Officials Blast Sanctuary Cities After Migrants Arrive

Officials in Colorado are telling their constituents that they have no plans to ever become a sanctuary for migrants.

Record numbers of migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border have prompted calls from Democratic mayors in so-called sanctuary cities, including Denver, New York City and Chicago, to the federal government seeking more funding.

The southern border has sparked political tensions on a national scale, as Texas Governor Greg Abbott has received support from dozens of Republican counterparts who believe he and his state have the right to defend themselves from the migrant surge.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, a Democrat, sympathized with Abbott, recently saying that the Texas Republican should not have to deal with the situation alone and should not “have to carry the entire weight of this newcomer population.”

“Colorado Springs is not a sanctuary city,” Colorado Springs Councilman Dave Donelson said during a press conference on Wednesday. “We want to come out and say that clearly.”

The press conference was led by El Paso County Board of Commissioners Chair Cami Bremer and Vice Chair Carrie Geitner, who listed the following positions regarding migration and how local officials plan to deal with any migrant influx:

• El Paso County will not be designated as a sanctuary county.
• The county encourages legal immigration through established channels.
• The federal government must secure the border and work toward reform.
• Decisions will be “guided by fiscal responsibility, adherence to legal frameworks, and an unwavering commitment to residents.”

“El Paso County has not, and will not, be designated as a sanctuary county,” Bremer said. “All five county commissioners are united in this position. While we acknowledge the hardships faced by migrants seeking better lives, it is essential for us to emphasize our unwavering support for legal immigration through established channels.”

Financial resources are not “infinite” and contribute to a “dangerous game” that risks migrants’ safety, Geitner added. He also mentioned how cities like Denver and Chicago are inviting migrants to their areas.

Recently, a group of Chicago residents sued the city for the “chaos” resulting from migrants being encouraged to seek refuge in their communities. They also blamed the Biden administration, not Abbott, for perpetuating the crisis.

Vernon Stewart, a spokesperson for El Paso County, told Newsweek via email on Thursday that the county has accurate statistics concerning its migrant population. The press conference was called as a “proactive” step to address any potential strain on public safety and community resources, he added.

“This was evident in the press conference held yesterday, where we clearly articulated our stance that El Paso County will not be a sanctuary county,” Stewart said. “Our primary focus remains the welfare and needs of our existing residents. We are dedicated to ensuring that their quality of life is safeguarded and that community resources are utilized in a manner that serves their best interests.

“We in El Paso County must draw a line in the sand. We’re not in the business of selling dreams that can’t be fulfilled. Offering sanctuary or support beyond our capabilities is a dangerous game, one that risks the safety of both migrants and our citizens.”

The sentiment was shared by Colorado Springs officials.

“While we are called to serve and help those in need, as mayor I will act as a thoughtful and careful steward of our taxpayer dollars,” said Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, a political independent who was elected last June. “We must use these limited resources in support of and in service to our own residents first.”

Vanessa Zink, a spokesperson for the city, told Newsweek via email on Thursday that the mayor has no additional comment. The city also does not have confirmed numbers of migrants within city limits.

“We can confirm that a bus of migrant families arrived this weekend at one of our local nonprofits,” Zink said. “This arrival was not coordinated by the city of Colorado Springs or by the city of Denver.”

A spokesperson for the Colorado Springs City Council declined comment to Newsweek.