WASHINGTON REPORTER: Coloradans are paying the price for sanctuary city policies backed by Mayor Mike Johnston and Governor Jared Polis

This week, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston is set to testify on Capitol Hill about the ongoing migrant crisis in Colorado’s capital city. But in the days leading up to his appearance, he’s been trying to distance himself from the very crisis he previously proudly supported. Johnston now insists that Denver and the state of Colorado are not sanctuary jurisdictions.

For nearly a decade, Colorado Democrats have proudly introduced and passed policies that place illegal immigrants above the law-abiding citizens of Colorado. Sanctuary cities, states, and counties are defined as jurisdictions that obstruct immigration enforcement. As a former cop in the Denver area, I’ve worked within these limitations and can say from first-hand experience: Denver and Colorado are absolutely sanctuary jurisdictions for illegal gangs like Tren de Aragua.

But don’t just take my word for it, let’s look at what Colorado Democrats have said and done to make our beautiful state a place for dangerous illegal criminals to hide out.

Ignoring federal immigration law:

Democrats don’t believe Colorado law enforcement should cooperate with federal immigration authorities. As our Democratic Governor Jared Polis put it, “what’s important to recognize is that your local police are your local sheriff’s department. Your local police are not arms of the federal government. We don’t want them being commandeered instead of going after crime, enforcing federal immigration statutes.”

Officers take an oath of honor to protect the public and serve the community, but limiting their cooperation with federal authorities means dangerous criminals who are illegally present are allowed to stay in our communities instead of being handed over to ICE. Polis isn’t the only one who opposes local law enforcement helping their federal counterparts.

Democratic State Senator Sonya Joaquez Lewis has been outspoken on the topic, saying that “Colorado law enforcement shouldn’t automatically detain someone just for their migration status.” Joaquez Lewis has also shared her opposition to detaining immigrants at all, stating that “as we know, the detention dehumanizes individuals detained […] this really reinforces the need to keep Coloradans out of detention with their families.”

With statements like that, it’s no wonder why Colorado has become the “USA headquarters” for the criminal illegal immigrant gang, Tren de Aragua. Consequently, the gang’s drug of choice, tusi, otherwise known as “pink cocaine,” is beginning to show up more and more within the state, adding to the ongoing overdose crisis.

Encouraging resistance to ICE:

Mayor Johnston himself suggested that, rather than allowing ICE to do its job, Denver residents and “Highland moms” should physically stand in the way of immigration enforcement, saying, that “more than us having DPD stationed at the county line to keep [ICE] out, you would have 50,000 Denverites there.”

When local leaders promote lawlessness, it is any wonder Colorado is the third most dangerous state?

Providing taxpayer-funded benefits to illegal immigrants:

Illegal immigrants in Colorado don’t just get a free pass, they get free housing, driver’s licenses and state-funded health care. Jon Ewing from Denver Human Services proudly declared that the city is actively working with landlords to house illegal immigrants, stating that “we’re going to have some newcomers who are going to need housing.” When will the state prioritize our homeless veterans and Coloradans who need housing and health care?

Meanwhile, Governor Polis has signed multiple laws making it easier for illegal immigrants to access public benefits. HB 22-1289 provides free health care, no matter a person’s immigration status, all on the taxpayer’s dime.

Shielding criminals from federal law:

But let’s not stop there. Governor Polis signed HB 23-1100 into law, banning any government involvement in immigration detention — making it even harder to hold criminals accountable.

Polis has also garnered support from Rep. Jason Crow (D., Colo.), who said that Colorado will use “all of our tools and all of our power available to protect families and protect folks” to safeguard illegal immigrants from federal law enforcement.

In fact, Democrat State Senator Julie Gonzales has boasted that “local jails are not collaborating and doing ICE’s job for them.” Want to keep ICE from having to go to sensitive places? Let them pick up drug dealers and human traffickers from jails instead. Johnston isn’t the first of Denver’s mayors to adopt sanctuary city viewpoints.

Former Democratic Mayor Michael Hancock pushed local law enforcement to ignore ICE as well, stating that “you can place your trust in your city and law enforcement agencies that are working to ensure you and your families can live a safe, happy, and healthy life here in Denver.”

The consequence is a more dangerous Colorado:

These policies don’t just make life harder for law enforcement, they make Colorado more dangerous. After years of sanctuary policies, we are seeing the results firsthand: The illegal immigrant crisis has overwhelmed Denver’s schools and hospitals. Illegal immigrant gangs like Tren de Aragua have taken root in Aurora. The cartels are here. Colorado is among the worst in the nation for auto theft. And local police can’t do a thing about it because of sanctuary policies.

So when Mayor Johnston tries to claim Colorado isn’t a sanctuary state, remember this: The policies Democrats have campaigned on for years have put illegal immigrants ahead of public safety.

It’s time for us to take back our state, which means enforcing our laws, supporting law enforcement and putting public safety first. Because no matter how much Democrats try to spin it, the truth is clear: Colorado is a sanctuary state for illegal cartels, criminal gangs, and human traffickers. And Coloradans pay the price.