Illegal immigrants at Denver tent city demand free legal aid, work permits before accepting relocation to city shelter

A group of illegal immigrants residing in an encampment in Denver has presented a list of demands to the mayor's office, stating that they will relocate to city-funded shelters if their conditions are met. 

The encampment, housing families with young children in tents near a railroad track and under a bridge, has prompted efforts from Denver Human Services to transition them into indoor shelters.

According to FOX 31, V Reeves, an advocate at the camp, explained that the demands were collectively formulated by the camp residents. However, Reeves expressed concern that despite the submission of the demands, buses were dispatched to transport individuals to shelters without acknowledgment of the document.

"This morning, they sent buses to take people over without presenting that document and without having any kind of signature for accountability," Reeves said.

The document sent by the illegal immigrants included a lift of hefty demands such as shower access without time restrictions, access to medical professionals, a transparent process for eviction, access to employment support and work permits, free consultations with immigration lawyers, and more.

Jon Ewing from Denver Human Services reiterated the city's efforts to provide assistance and shelter to the illegal immigrant families. He emphasized the availability of basic amenities in the shelters, including three meals a day and provisions for cooking if desired.

“We try to compromise. We try to figure something out. You know, at the end of the day, what we do not want is families on the streets of Denver,” Ewing explained.