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Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Colorados Democratic Congressional delegation called on Congress Thursday to take urgent action to support Colorado communities struggling under the weight of a growing humanitarian crisis caused by surges of immigrants, many fleeing brutal regimes and crossing the U.S. border illegally.

As of Thursday morning, Denver has welcomed an unprecedented 37,604 immigrants. More than 4,300 are being temporarily fed and sheltered by city taxpayers. The expense has been tremendous: $38 million, and counting.

Denver, like many cities in America, is a vibrant, thriving city full of generous folks who want to see everyone succeed, Johnston said. We are also a city right now that is facing a humanitarian crisis and a fiscal crisis unlike anything weve seen in the last 25 years.

And that is the result of what we know is the ongoing influx of migrant arrivals who are seeking asylum in America and the system that is not adequately helping them to succeed.

Early in the crisis, city leaders decided Denver would pay to house or transport immigrants to the city of their choice.

Despite state and federal grants totaling more than $14 million, Denver taxpayers are shouldering the bulk of the costs.

Earlier this month, Johnston warned that the city had reached a breaking point and if left unabated the cost to taxpayers could reach up to $180 million this year. He instructed department heads to find 10% to 15% in cuts.

Traditionally, immigration has been an issue relegated to gateway cities such as Chicago and New York City or states adjacent to the U.S. border with Mexico.

Not anymore.

Denver is more than 600 miles from El Paso, Texas, the closest U.S. border with Mexico.

Officials have speculated immigrants are drawn to Denver because of its relative proximity to the Mexico border while others believe the appeal is its status as a sanctuary city.

Generally speaking, a sanctuary city is a designation for municipalities and counties that establish policies discouraging local law enforcement from reporting an individuals immigration status to federal authorities.

But its not just Denver.

Carbondale and Aurora have also provided assistance to newly arriving immigrants.

Editor's note: This is a developing story.

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Johnston, Bennet and Hickenlooper urge immigration reform | Colorado In DC - coloradopolitics.com