Denver Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore mobilizes the community to thwart ICE operations, sparking controversy and raising questions about public safety and resource allocation.
Quick Takes
- Councilwoman Gilmore encourages residents to report ICE activity, aiding illegal immigrants in avoiding capture.
- Over 600 volunteers mobilized to take calls 24/7 in English and Spanish.
- Denver has spent over $356 million on migrant services, accepting 45,000+ migrants since 2022.
- Concerns rise over public safety following incidents involving alleged Venezuelan gang members.
- Critics argue the influx of illegal immigrants strains public services and infrastructure.
Denver’s Controversial Stand Against ICE
Denver Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore has taken a bold stance against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, encouraging residents to report ICE activities to help illegal immigrants avoid capture. This move has ignited a fierce debate over the role of local government in federal immigration enforcement and the impact on public safety.
Colorado City Councilmember Stacie Gilmore is asking people to report ICE's activities and real time locations so that illegal aliens can be warned. pic.twitter.com/AOM8JEqa8x
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) February 4, 2025
Gilmore has mobilized over 600 volunteers with the Colorado Rapid Response Network to take calls in English and Spanish around the clock. She advises residents to document ICE raids by taking photos or videos and noting details such as time, date, location, and involved agencies.
Rising Tensions and Public Safety Concerns
The controversy surrounding illegal immigration in Denver gained national attention after a video of alleged Venezuelan gang members went viral. This incident has heightened concerns about public safety and the potential consequences of hindering ICE operations.
The situation has been further complicated by recent arrests, including that of Luis Fernando Melendez-Rivera, an illegally present Mexican national wanted for aggravated homicide, who was apprehended in Denver by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Strain on City Resources
Denver has accepted over 45,000 migrants since 2022, significantly impacting funding for public services like schools and parks. Mayor Mike Johnston has vowed to block ICE deportations, and the city has already spent over $356 million on migrant services.
Councilman Roger Hudson criticizes the impact of immigration on Denver’s public services and infrastructure, echoing concerns of many Colorado residents, particularly Republicans, who oppose the tolerance of illegal immigration.
Community Response and Legal Implications
While Gilmore’s actions have garnered support from some community members and immigrant rights advocates, they have also raised questions about potential legal ramifications. By encouraging residents to report ICE activities, critics argue that local officials may be obstructing federal law enforcement operations.
“This is a challenging and heartbreaking time for our community. If you see activity by ICE, stay safe and know you have every right to report it.” – Stacie Gilmore
The situation in Denver highlights the ongoing national debate over immigration policy and the role of local governments in enforcing or resisting federal immigration laws. As tensions continue to rise, the city finds itself at the center of a complex and emotionally charged issue with far-reaching implications for public safety, resource allocation, and community cohesion.
Sources:
- Colorado councilwoman encourages people to ‘report’ ICE activity to help illegal immigrants avoid capture
- Colorado councilwoman encourages people to help illegal immigrants evade capture, ‘If you see activity by ICE…’
- Colorado councilwoman encourages people to ‘report’ ICE activity to help illegal immigrants avoid capture
