Denver police resist ICE offers despite big incentives

The Denver Police Department has recently faced recruitment ads from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, aimed at luring local officers with promising incentives, including signing bonuses of up to $50,000. Despite these advertisements, the Denver Police Department stated that no officers have left for ICE positions as of now, highlighting that their salary structure is significantly more attractive to new recruits. New Denver officers earn notably higher than ICE deportation officers, by almost $22,000 annually, with the potential for further salary increases over time. ICE has ramped up its recruitment efforts, airing similar ads across various cities it deems as 'sanctuary jurisdictions.' These ads not only attempt to recruit local law enforcement but also pledge student loan forgiveness, overtime pay, and enhanced retirement benefits. The initiative is part of ICE’s larger goal to recruit 10,000 immigration agents. However, while ICE claims to have received over 150,000 applications and has extended 18,000 job offers, there is a growing skepticism about the effectiveness of these campaigns in cities like Denver. In response to the recruitment ads, Denver officials have asserted their commitment to addressing crime within the city, noting that they have seen crime rates decrease significantly over the past few years. Additionally, they keep a full academy class of recruits despite reported understaffing issues. The Denver Police spokesperson conveyed that they are not 'standing down' in combatting criminal activity, countering the narrative implicitly suggested by ICE's advertisements. Moreover, Jon Ewing, a city spokesman, emphasized that the officers ICE aims to recruit played critical roles in humanitarian efforts, such as rescuing migrant children. The juxtaposition of Denver’s proactive stance towards local law enforcement against ICE’s recruiting tactics indicates a clear message that the city prioritizes community safety and well-being over the political agendas being pushed at the federal level. Thus, despite ICE's attempts to attract local officers, the current trend shows that those in the Denver Police Department remain committed to their roles in the community.