(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security sent a letter last week warning the City and County of Denver that it might revoke millions in funding unless the municipality releases information about its services used for illegal immigrants.
The letter stated that the department had “significant concerns” that three grants totaling more than $32 million were going to “entities engaged in or facilitating illegal activities.”
The grants, which were given through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, were going to organizations that are a part of FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program.
Just in fiscal year 2023-2024, that program awarded $340.9 million to non-federal entities across the U.S. for “services associated with noncitizen migrant arrivals in their communities.”
Cameron Hamilton, acting administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, wrote in the letter that Denver’s funding would be temporarily suspended until additional monitoring was conducted. There was no promise that the department would then reinstate the grants following the review.
As a part of the review process, the department requested that the organizations 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 said this would allow the department to make a determination about 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 aiding were all also listed as potential liabilities if discovered.
This all came just days after Denver Mayor Mike Johnston testified before the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on the city’s immigration policies, which Republicans feel make it a sanctuary city.
According to the city, more than 42,000 “newcomers” have been assisted with shelter, food, transportation, clothing and medical care. In testimony, Johnston labeled the city “safe” and “welcoming,” terms that Republicans pushed back against.
“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.”
