FEMA grants Denver $7.8M for migrant response amid potential wave

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA has awarded Denver about $7.8 million to help the city pay for its migrant response, according to a memo from city staff to the council. The City Council will accept the grants at its meeting on Monday.

As of July 1, Denver had supported 42,392 newcomers from the southern border at a cost of more than $72 million, according to a statement from the city online. The statement reports Denver received $3.5 million from the state to reimburse for migrant expenses, $1.6 million from the Department of Homeland Security, with $9.4 million awarded and $2.8 million in potential federal reimbursements.

Although Denver’s migrant influx has slowed to a trickle, the results of the recent election in Venezuela could spur a new wave of migrants, according to an article in USA Today. Ten days ago, thousands of migrants left Mexico’s Southern border en route to the U.S., according to the Associated Press. Some said they feared President Trump would win the election and they wanted to make it to the United States before that happens.

A bus ticket to Denver from the border costs $159 on Greyhound, making it an inexpensive destination. Once in Denver, migrants are given free bus tickets for their onward destination, which could be Chicago, New York, or a host of other cities.

Rolling out the welcome mat … for 72 hours

At one time sheltered more than 4,000 migrants for more than 30 days in area hotels. The tab was expected to cost Denver $90 million in 2025 had they continued to provide support.

But now Denver has hired an employee to go to El Paso and tell migrants Denver can no longer provide long-term shelter. On the city website for migrants seeking assistance, the message is: “Denver’s ability to provide free shelter and meals to you is temporary. It’s important you start making other plans immediately. Buses are available to get you to friends and family in the U.S. No drugs or weapons of any kind are allowed at the shelter.”

Denver Asylum Seekers Program

In April, Mayor Mike Johnston launched the Denver Asylum Seekers Program, which provides long-term support and stability to newcomers who do not immediately have access to federal work authorization. The first group of about 800 people is currently in the process of applying for asylum through city-backed clinics. At least one adult per household is required to attend at least 20 hours of weekly job training as part of WorkReady Denver. Classes began in June and will run for the next several months.

On Wednesday, only 12 migrants arrived in Denver. On Thursday, only two newcomers did. The city will provide up to 72 hours of shelter to migrants at a congregant shelter as well as a shelter ran by Catholic Charities.

Some migrants are now homeless living out of their cars or in encampments, according to homeless advocate Amy Beck.