Speakers urge Denver to withhold support for Israeli actions and expand migrant shelters, cite protections for trans residents

Two public commenters at the Jan. 27 Denver City Council meeting urged the council to reconsider how taxpayer and city resources relate to international policy and to prioritize locally accessible shelters and protections for vulnerable residents.

Chai Herrera criticized recent federal executive actions and urged the city to “remain vigilant in its refusal to support the federal government's efforts to hunt down our friends and loved ones.” Herrera also called on the council to support the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel, saying the tactic draws a parallel to actions used against apartheid-era South Africa.

Hannah Lawless, speaking later in the virtual queue, asked the city not to “send taxpayer money to Israel” and said Denver should reinvest resources into services at home. Lawless urged the council to prioritize shelters that are ADA compliant and safe for queer people and to make city budget planning more accessible to affected communities.

Both speakers linked their requests to broader human-rights concerns: Herrera raised federal-level immigration measures and executive orders affecting transgender recognition, while Lawless tied budgetary choices to local shelter capacity for migrants and disabled residents.

Council members did not respond during the public comment period; the clerk said council members or staff may follow up with speakers after the meeting.