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/ CBS Colorado
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced Thursday it will be leaving Denver and relocating.
The administration said it will move its regional offices out of what they call “sanctuary cities.” A new location has not been announced, but they said the offices will be “more accessible locations that better serve the small business community.”
This announcement came one day after Denver Mayor Mike Johnston testified on Capitol Hill on the city’s immigration policies. Johnston was one of four mayors of so-called “sanctuary cities” to testify in front of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
The term “sanctuary city” refers to a wide range of policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration agents. While the Democratic mayors argued their policies are necessary to ensure undocumented immigrants report crimes and access city services, Republican representatives said the mayors are defying President Trump and releasing criminals.
Johnston said Denver’s policies don’t shield immigrants from law enforcement, stating instead the city “provides services” to immigrants. He said that Denver was the victim of a situation the city didn’t create, and he has an obligation to protect the health and safety of everyone in the city.
“All told, 42,000 people arrived in Denver over 18 months, the largest per capita influx of any city in America,” said Johnston. “The question Denver faced was what will you do with a mom and two kids dropped on the streets of our city with no warm clothes, no food and no place to stay?”
Christa Swanson is a Digital Media Producer at CBS Colorado in Denver.
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©2025 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.
