Denver's Illegal Immigrants Present Demands Including 'Culturally Appropriate' Food and Legal Services

Demands from Denver's Illegal Immigrants

Illegal immigrants residing in an encampment in Denver, Colorado, have refused to leave unless the city fulfills their list of 13 demands. These demands include access to "fresh, culturally appropriate ingredients" for their meals, unlimited shower access, equal housing support as offered to others, legal services, and prior notice before eviction.

Response from the Majority of Migrants

Most of the migrants at the Colorado encampment eventually accepted Denver's proposal to reside in a shelter on Wednesday. The group had previously been staying under a busy Central Park Boulevard in northeast Denver, before moving under a bridge near the Denver Airport.

Communication of Demands to the Mayor

The list of demands was sent to Mayor Mike Johnson (D) on Wednesday, as reported by the nonprofit Housekeys Action Network Denver. The organization posted the demands on Facebook, describing them as "incredibly reasonable and doable" and necessary for "long-term stability and opportunities for all." The nonprofit also criticized the city for the "poor conditions and lack of accountability" that led to many of these individuals being homeless after going through the system.

Details of the Demands

The demands include the provision of fresh, culturally appropriate ingredients for the migrants to cook their own food, unrestricted shower access, routine medical professional visits, equal housing support, a clear eviction process, connection to employment support, free immigration lawyer consultations, privacy within the shelter, no verbal, physical, or mental abuse from the staff, transportation for children to and from schools, no family separation, a meeting with the Mayor to discuss further improvements, and a document signed by a City official in English and Spanish outlining these demands.

Response from the Mayor's Office

In response, the Mayor's office extended the offer for the migrants to stay in a city shelter for seven days, an increase from the initial three days. "We’ve been offering time and shelter, basically just trying to get families to leave that camp and come inside," said Jon Ewing, a spokesperson for Denver Human Services.

Impact of the Migrant Crisis on Denver

The refusal of the group to leave the encampment is causing financial strain on Denver, which is grappling with a $180 million budget gap due to the ongoing illegal immigrant crisis. In February, Mayor Johnston announced that the city needs to cut approximately $18 million per month from public services until 2024 to cover the costs of services for illegal immigrants. He referred to these cuts as a “plan for shared sacrifice” that would benefit both the illegal immigrants and the taxpayers expecting certain services in the city.

Reaction from Housekeys Action Network Denver

In a Facebook post, Housekeys Action Network Denver urged Mayor Johnston to support the migrants he claims to appreciate and defend in his speeches. The organization called for sustainable, stable plans that also grant the migrants the autonomy and self-determination they desire.

Request for Comment

The Epoch Times attempted to contact Denver Human Services for further comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

What's Your Take?

This situation presents a complex issue with no easy solutions. What are your thoughts on the demands of the illegal immigrants and the city's response? Do you think the city should meet these demands, or are there other solutions that should be considered? We'd love to hear your thoughts. Share this article with your friends and join the conversation. And don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6 pm.