In a direct response to the ongoing migrant crisis, Douglas County in Colorado has taken a firm stance by warning bus companies against stopping or unloading illegal immigrants within their jurisdiction.
This move is a reflection of the county's non-sanctuary status, as stated by Commissioner George Teal, a region predominantly inhabited by Republicans.
"No more freeloading," Teal declared during an interview with Lawrence Jones, co-host of "Fox & Friends" on Thursday. He further explained, "We thought this ordinance was necessary to ensure the safety of our community."
The newly implemented ordinance stipulates that buses depositing "commercial passengers" at "unplanned locations" within Douglas County could be subjected to fines of up to $1,000 per passenger. Additionally, buses may be confiscated by local law enforcement agencies.
This legislation emerges as various Colorado communities strive to differentiate themselves from Denver, a self-proclaimed sanctuary city now grappling with an influx of migrants.
"Denver jumped on the anti-Trump trend of declaring a sanctuary city early on, like many Democrat cities across the nation," Teal observed. "We're not a Democrat county. We're a community that is predominantly Republican. We were never going to be a sanctuary county."
In a similar vein, local officials in Monument have even conducted a formal vote to confirm the town's status as a "non-sanctuary city," as concerns escalate over the potential migration of individuals from Denver to nearby communities.
The migrant crisis has reportedly imposed a financial burden on Denver, leading to a reduction in city services. In February, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston announced the closure of four migrant shelters and plans to redirect nearly $60 million back into city services.
Johnston assured that the migrants would not be expelled following the closure of the shelters, but rather relocated to different facilities. However, Teal remains doubtful.
"We know that it's just a matter of time before Denver starts diverting buses here into Douglas County. Were located to the south of Denver right between Denver and Colorado Springs. And that's why we enacted this ordinance, so that, when that happens, were prepared," Teal stated.
Teal also argued that the trend of sanctuary city declarations was a reaction against former President Donald Trumps immigration policies.
"As we've all checked and found out, President Trump isn't the president anymore at least not yet, again," he said. "Right now it's President Biden, one of their own Democrats. And yet they still continue these policies that theyre starting to regret."
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