Denver mayor grilled over area’s Tren de Aragua problem as GOP lawmaker says policies to blame

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston Under Fire for Sanctuary City Policies Amid Rising Crime and Gang Activity

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston is facing mounting criticism for his stance on sanctuary city policies, which opponents argue have turned Denver into a "safe harbor" for violent gangs and criminal organizations. This criticism came to a head during a high-stakes hearing before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, where Johnston, along with three other sanctuary city mayors, was grilled about the impact of these policies on public safety and community resources. The hearing highlighted the growing tensions between federal authorities and cities that limit cooperation with immigration enforcement, with Denver being a focal point due to its reputation as a welcoming city for migrants.

One of the most contentious exchanges during the hearing came when Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., pressed Johnston on whether Denver qualifies as a sanctuary city. Johnston deflected the label, stating, "We don’t use that definition," and instead described Denver as a "welcoming city." Perry challenged this stance, questioning whether Denver’s policies effectively open the door to criminals without proper vetting. Johnston pushed back, emphasizing that Denver aggressively pursues violent criminals and does not offer sanctuary to those who break the law. However, the exchange underscored the sharp divide over how to balance public safety with immigrant-friendly policies.

The debate over Denver’s sanctuary policies has been further complicated by the rise of violent gangs, particularly the Venezuelan immigrant gang Tren de Aragua (TdA), which has reportedly established its American headquarters in Denver. Republican Colorado Rep. Gabe Evans blames Denver’s "weak immigration laws" for attracting the gang, asserting that sanctuary state policies have created an environment where criminal organizations can operate with relative impunity. Evans, a former police officer, claims that public safety has deteriorated, with local hospitals overwhelmed and schools strained by the influx of migrants. He also pointed to the growing presence of fentanyl and tusi in Colorado communities, which he links to the state’s sanctuary policies.

One particularly alarming incident involved a TdA gang member who was released from custody due to Colorado’s sanctuary policies. The individual fled upon seeing ICE agents and allegedly assaulted an agent during his eventual arrest. The incident has sparked calls for greater cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. Johnston has since reached out to ICE to discuss "best procedures" moving forward, signaling a potential shift in Denver’s approach to immigration enforcement.

Despite the criticism, Johnston has remained steadfast in his commitment to Denver’s sanctuary policies, even going so far as to say he would be willing to go to jail rather than back down. In January, the DEA arrested roughly 50 illegal immigrants with ties to TdA, which has been classified as a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration. Johnston has pledged to resist federal immigration policies, framing Denver’s stance as a matter of protecting vulnerable migrants and upholding the city’s values. However, critics argue that this approach has come at a cost, with public safety budgets being cut to accommodate the influx of migrants. Johnston’s office has pushed back against claims that the police department is being defunded, insisting that budget adjustments were carefully crafted to ensure no impact on public services or officer staffing levels.

The controversy over sanctuary cities has also drawn criticism from law enforcement experts, who warn that lax immigration enforcement is allowing cartels and criminal organizations to gain a foothold in cities like Denver. Former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker alleged that mayors like Johnston are failing to address the root causes of rising crime and are instead hiding behind understated crime statistics. Swecker accused cities of gaming the system by refusing to participate in the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), which provides a more detailed and accurate picture of crime trends. This criticism has added fuel to the debate over sanctuary policies, with opponents arguing that they not only endanger public safety but also obscure the true scale of crime in cities like Denver.

In conclusion, the debate over Denver’s sanctuary policies has become a flashpoint in the broader national conversation about immigration, public safety, and the role of local governments in enforcing federal laws. While Mayor Johnston and his supporters argue that Denver’s welcoming approach is a matter of valuing diversity and protecting the vulnerable, critics like Rep. Evans and law enforcement experts warn that the policies are enabling criminal organizations and putting communities at risk. As the situation continues to unfold, the tension between these competing priorities is likely to remain a contentious issue in Denver and beyond.