City in Colorado moves toward shutting down support for illegal immigrants

AURORA, CO - The city of Aurora, with a population of almost 400,000 is now considering a resolution before the city council to bring a halt to all support for the steady stream of illegal immigrants who've been transported into the city. The move comes in response to serious concerns among many Colorado communities over how the state capital of Denver is handling the problem.

According to CBS News, Aurora city councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky told reporters, "It's ridiculous. It is ridiculous," describing the enormous quantity of illegal immigrants Denver has received and the substantial impact it has had on the greater Denver metro area. The resolution was presented in the city council's Federal, State and Intergovernmental Relations (FSIR) Committee meeting on Friday and will proceed to the full council to be studied and debated.

As reported by Denver7, the resolution states that Aurora's "financial resources or other local resources are limited and offering sanctuary or support is impossible."

Jurinsky told reporters, "We are not going to shut down our rec centers. We are not going to cut our police budget. We are not taking anything out, and that includes staff resources." Co-sponsor of the resolution, Councilman Steve Sundberg added, "We have a fiscal responsibility to our citizens, residents that we have to live within our means, and we can't over-promise and under-deliver."

The resolution would reportedly prevent other cities and non-governmental organizations from bringing illegal immigrants into Aurora "without an agreement to address the financial impact and coordination of services."

“This resolution needs to send a clear message,” Jurinsky said per The Sentinel. “You will receive no services from the city of Aurora. Not from the Office of Immigration. There will be no staff support. There will be no non-profit support or they run the risk of losing city support.”
 

In a potential move similar to one threatened by New York City, Jurinsky stated that despite City Attorney George Koumantakis argument that the resolution would be unenforceable, an enforcement mechanism discussed with Aurora police attorney Pete Schulte does exist.

“If we have to take this route we will,” she said. “The bus driver that physically drives into the city of Aurora and drops off migrants, that bus driver could be ticketed.” 

Pro-illegal immigration non-profit groups such as the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless and the Village Exchange Center (VEC) have raised objections according to the outlet. Amanda Blaurock of VEC said in a statement, "I'm deeply concerned about a draft resolution that would have such over-reaching effect on the legal work of nonprofits and organizations. It sets a precedent that would allow cities and municipalities to restrict private programs and services that are legal."

Cathy Alderman president of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless told Denver7, "I think this really does have some really broad and negative potential impacts to how we deliver services and how we care for our community members."