The number of immigrants from the southern U.S. border in Denver shelters has plummeted in the wake of President Biden's border crackdown , according to Denver Human Services.
Why it matters: New figures suggest the yearslong crisis is beginning to die down locally, marking a drastic change from this time last year.
The latest: The city's two congregate shelters set a record on Sunday with zero new arrivals — the first time since November 2022, DHS spokesperson Jon Ewing told us.
- As of Monday morning, the city was sheltering eight people, compared to a peak of 5,200 in mid-January, per city figures.
What they're saying: The downward trend can be attributed to two major factors, according to Ewing.
- One is the city's recently implemented immigration strategy , including its asylum-seeker program , which focuses on providing long-term support to about 1,000 people, while significantly limiting help for everyone else.
- "The second is absolutely the slowdown at the border" due to Biden's new policy , Ewing told us.
State of play: The city is seeing an average of six new arrivals daily, with "almost everyone" asking for travel elsewhere or connecting with family and friends based in Denver, Ewing said.
- Meanwhile, the city closed its final hotel shelter for newcomers on Sunday after moving people staying at the facility over the last two months into other housing, like apartments, according to local officials.
The big picture: More than 42,000 people from South and Central American counties have arrived in Denver since late 2022 at a cost of more than $72 million, per city figures.
What's next: Ewing says the closure of the last hotel shelter, along with the drop in new arrivals, "means much less in immediate spending."
- For now, the city will continue to keep its two congregate shelters open, as well as a bridge housing site operated in partnership with Catholic Charities.
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