Migrant crisis challenges Denver

• Migrant crisis in Denver.
• Immigrants seek job opportunities.
• Authorities face legal issues.

The migrant crisis has Denver against the ropes, where the government has run out of sufficient resources to address the problem, and new migrants struggle due to the lack of job opportunities.

«Help us, we are Venezuelans,» reads a cardboard sign in black marker that is held by two immigrants on Colfax Avenue in Colorado.

On the next corner, another group of young people offers to clean car windows while the light changes — a scene that has been repeated at different intersections throughout the metropolitan area for week, according to residents.

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In a desperate measure to earn money, immigrants gather on street corners, although this can result in fines and increase their chances of being hit by a car.

«We are aware of that situation and we are issuing fines,» announced the Denver police.

Jackson Marquina finds himself in that situation. He, his wife Soraida Martínez and their baby, went out to seek help at a nearby traffic light on Federal Boulevard in Denver.

MundoNow approached them, wanting to know their story and through it, show the complex situation facing immigrants — affecting both newcomers to this country and its residents.

The migrant crisis in Denver worsens

On a sidewalk, he holds a sign with both hands, reading in English: «Hello, God bless you. I am a father, I don’t have a job. Help me with a job, I need it for my children.»

The couple is from Venezuela and entered through the southern border of the United States 40 days ago. They are staying at the Quality shelter, where their time is about to expire, and they do not want to leave the city.

«We want to stay in Denver because the children are already studying,» Soraida Martínez tells MundoNow. She and her husband take turns caring for their baby while they wait on the corner.

She recalls that reaching American soil was not easy. On the way, they ran out of ticket and it was very difficult for her to board the train, better known as ‘La Bestia,’ with her four children, including a baby.

The migrants claim they’re having trouble finding jobs

Martínez is clear about why she came to this country. «The reason for coming here is to buy a little house. Also, my eldest son wanted to speak English. And above all, the economic aspect.»

Locals say the migrant crisis in Denver is violating the city’s urbanity laws. Jackson Marquina is clear that begging at a traffic light was not why he came to the United States.

«First of all, nobody knows each other’s situation, many of us are looking for this because we haven’t found a job,» says the Hispanic to MundoNow.

Pointing to the sign his wife holds, Marquina says he holds out hope that someone will see it and say to him, «Come! Work with me. Whatever it takes to work and always without harming anyone.»

Grateful families

The family is grateful the welcoming shelter, for those who have approached to give them a plate of food and clothes for their children, but they are clear that they did not come for that.

«We are not taking this as a habit; once we get our job, this stays here,» Marquina assures.

Beyond the financial problems facing migrants, compliance with municipal laws is a challenge for immigrants and authorities.

«The issue of people cleaning windshields or windows at traffic lights is something we are aware of,» says Denver Police Department spokesperson Jay Casillas to MundoNow.

Migrant crisis in Denver: Are they committing a crime?

The officer explains that they have received complaints from some drivers and are working to resolve them without violating police procedures.

«First, we are trying to inform those people that this is illegal and also dangerous because they are on the road, where they can be run over and injured in other ways,» says the spokesperson.

But if they do not obey the instructions, Casillas warns that there will be consequences. «If we continue to receive reports of this, complaints about this, we would have to fine that person.»

Although the officer did not specify the amount of the fines, he hinted that this would be the last resort they would use.