Residents of Lakewood, Colorado, expressed concern over potential plans to become a sanctuary for migrants, following a meeting between city and Denver officials.
Despite residents’ worries, city officials denied any consideration of such a proposal, emphasizing that they have not discussed becoming a sanctuary city.
The city aims to work with Denver to understand the migrant crisis and support it as a good neighbor, focusing on humanitarian efforts without offering housing in Lakewood.
The situation has sparked frustration among residents, leading to an emergency community meeting and a call for clarity.
“Why did our city manager go to the city of Denver to see how they can help? How is Lakewood going to help the city of Denver with this migrant issue?” former Lakewood City Council member Mary Janssen asked.
“I would like to make it very clear that City Council has never, in my time sitting on council, has never had a conversation around becoming a sanctuary city,” Lakewood Mayor Wendi Strom said.
“I have met with my city manager, who was in the meeting, and there was not a request for Lakewood to house migrants at all,” Strom said. “This has created a lot of frustration and anger in our community that is not necessary. We are not making these big, sweeping changes. And these would be changes that we would bring to the public if that was something that we were going to do. But that’s not happening.”
“The only action City Council has taken during its January meetings has been to direct the city manager to meet with the City of Denver’s staff as quickly as possible to better understand the migrant crisis, its impacts and the needs as well as possible options for Lakewood to work with Denver on this crisis in the spirit of ‘being a good neighbor,'” the city of Lakewood stated.
“To keep residents as informed as possible, we want to address incorrect information that has appeared in opinion pieces in the news media and on social media regarding the City Council’s discussion about migrants arriving in Denver,” the city added.
“No council member has made this proposal, and it is not something the City Council is considering or planning to consider in the near future. The only action City Council has taken during its January meetings has been to direct the city manager to meet with the City of Denver’s staff as quickly as possible to better understand the migrant crisis, its impacts and the needs as well as possible options for Lakewood to work with Denver on this crisis in the spirit of ‘being a good neighbor.’”
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