A group of illegal immigrants in Denver has presented a list of demands to Mayor Mike Johnston, refusing to vacate an encampment until their conditions are met.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A group of illegal immigrants residing in a Denver encampment has issued a list of demands to Mayor Mike Johnston, vowing not to leave until the city addresses their concerns. The demands, outlined in a document sent by the non-profit Housekeys Action Network Denver, include a variety of stipulations aimed at improving their living conditions and ensuring fair treatment.
The immigrants have called for changes that they describe as “incredibly reasonable and doable,” such as the provision of fresh, culturally appropriate ingredients for cooking their own meals, unrestricted access to showers, regular medical check-ups, and consistent housing support. These requests were shared in a Facebook post by Housekeys Action Network Denver, which advocates for long-term stability and opportunities for all residents of the encampment.
The group also demands legal support, including consultations with immigration lawyers and ongoing assistance with immigration document clinics, as well as transportation to court dates. They have requested that the city ensure privacy within shelters, provide transportation for children to schools, and prohibit any sheriff from staying inside the shelters to monitor them around the clock.
In response to the perceived mistreatment by staff, the immigrants have asked for protocols to be put in place to prevent verbal, physical, and mental abuse. They emphasize that they should not be treated as criminals and that families within the group should not be separated.
This standoff comes at a time when Denver faces significant financial challenges, with a reported $180 million budget gap exacerbated by the costs associated with the ongoing illegal immigrant crisis. Mayor Johnston has previously stated that the city needs to cut approximately $18 million per month from public services in 2024 to manage these expenses. He described these budget cuts as a “plan for shared sacrifice,” necessary to support both the newcomers and the existing residents of Denver.
The demands and the ongoing situation have sparked a broader conversation about how cities can balance the needs of their residents with the challenges posed by unexpected increases in migrant populations. The outcome of this standoff could set a precedent for how other cities handle similar situations in the future.
