The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced plans to relocate its regional offices away from “sanctuary cities” in order to better serve Main Streets across America. While the memo did not specifically mention Denver, the SBA’s regional office for Colorado is based in the city. The decision is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to crack down on illegal immigration and withhold funding from local governments deemed as “sanctuary jurisdictions.”
The memo, issued by SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, did not provide specific timelines for the relocation. Additionally, Loeffler stated that individuals living unlawfully in the U.S. will be banned from receiving SBA assistance, and “hostile foreign nationals” will be restricted from accessing federal programs.
Colorado has faced challenges as a result of its policies on immigration. While state officials, including Gov. Jared Polis, have rejected the label of a sanctuary state, the state adopted a law in 2019 that limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
The decision to relocate SBA offices from sanctuary cities could result in millions of federal funding being withheld from Colorado. However, the Denver City Council passed an ordinance in 2017 to prohibit city employees from collecting information on immigration status and limit cooperation with civil immigration enforcement.
Loeffler’s vision is to rebuild the SBA into an “America First engine for free enterprise” by empowering small businesses and fueling economic growth. The decision to relocate offices away from sanctuary cities aligns with the administration’s efforts to enforce federal immigration laws and prioritize the interests of American citizens and businesses.
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