Denver Suburb Seeks Legal Action Over City's Immigration Policies

The suburban town of Castle Rock, Colorado, is taking a stand against the city of Denver's immigration policies, exploring legal action over the influx of more than 42,000 immigrants into the region since December 2022. The Castle Rock Town Council voted unanimously on September 3 to direct its attorney to investigate potential legal recourse, citing the strain this surge has placed on surrounding communities.

Councilmember Max Brooks, who spearheaded the motion, made it clear that this issue is not limited to Denver. “This isn’t just a decision that Denver gets to make because it’s impacting the rest of the Front Range,” Brooks told CBS News Colorado. He further emphasized that Castle Rock is not alone, with other municipalities like Aurora and Parker considering joining the legal fight.

The flood of migrants into Denver has not only stressed resources but has also brought concerns about safety, as gang activity spills into neighboring towns. Aurora City Councilmember Danielle Jurinsky warned last month about the Venezuelan-based Tren de Aragua gang, which has reportedly taken over apartment complexes in the area, threatening residents and staff.

• Gang activity: Aurora officials claim entire apartment complexes are under the control of gangs like Tren de Aragua.

• Migrants spreading out: Immigrants arriving in Denver are spilling over into suburbs, leading to concerns over safety and resource allocation.

• Denver’s response: The city has allocated $90 million in services, including six months of paid housing and bus tickets for newly arrived migrants.

Denver's policies have been at the center of the issue, with the city offering extensive benefits to immigrants, including temporary housing and transportation elsewhere in the state or country. Castle Rock's move is not about financial compensation, Brooks clarified, but rather about forcing Denver to change its immigration approach. "I don’t want a dime from Denver," Brooks said. "I just don’t want them to continue to have a policy that is having a negative impact on the Front Range."

This growing tension between Denver and its surrounding suburbs highlights a broader crisis across the country, as towns grapple with the consequences of large-scale immigration. While Denver may view its policies as compassionate, the reality is that nearby communities are shouldering a significant burden without any say in the matter.

Castle Rock’s decision to explore legal action underscores the increasing frustration of suburban towns as they brace for the impact of unchecked migration. “You don’t wait until the hurricane is on you to board up your windows and leave town,” Brooks added, signaling that the time for action is now.

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