Bennito L Kelty

Denver

Staff writer ACO-repping @denverwestword// Prev. w/ @tucsonsentinel & @report4america//Mizzou made// Mex-Am 🇲🇽🇺🇸 namorando uma brasileira 🌚🌝

Articles

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar Talks Immigration, Global Politics in Denver

3 days ago | westword.com | Bennito L Kelty

Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, known as a member of the progressive "squad" in the Democratic congressional caucus, appeared on the Free Think Zone, a podcast hosted by local activist Brother Jeff Fard, on Saturday, May 31. During her appearance, the U.S.Representative shared concerns over human rights abuses and the current state of justice and democracy in the country.
Jeanette Vizguerra Calls for "New Fight for Civil Rights" From Inside Aurora Detention Center

3 days ago | westword.com | Bennito L Kelty

From inside the Aurora detention center where hundreds of immigrants are facing deportation, activist Jeanette Vizguerra delivered an acceptance speech via video call for the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award on Monday, June 2, asking supporters to keep protesting President Donald Trump and his immigration policies.
Hundreds of Denver Afghans Face Deportation After Homeland Security Order

4 days ago | westword.com | Bennito L Kelty

Afghans who came to Colorado after the United States military withdrew in 2021 will be vulnerable to deportations after President Donald Trump began rescinding temporary protected status (TPS), a federal designation for immigrants fleeing persecution and natural disaster. The Department of Homeland Security announced on May 12 that it would end TPS for Afghans. Starting July 14, Afghans living in the U.S. with TPS will become undocumented immigrants, putting them at risk of deportation.
Denver Replacing Bike Lane Flex Posts with Zippers, Cushions

2 weeks ago | westword.com | Bennito L Kelty

Although it might not sit right with cyclists who feel exposed in bike lanes, the City of Denver is removing the short, column-like dividers known as flex posts in some neighborhoods and replacing them with speed cushions and small dividers for both easier maintenance and aesthetic reasons. "The removal was a total surprise," says Rob Toftness, a co-founding member of the Denver Bike Lobby advocacy group. "Removing protection for aesthetic reasons is a step backwards.
Denver Bus Riders, Advocates Call for Cleaner, Safer RTD Stops

2 weeks ago | westword.com | Bennito L Kelty

On Wednesday, May 21, DSP brought together residents concerned about Denver's bus stops as part of a "Waiting for Dignity" project aimed at drawing attention to the issue. Residents who shared their experiences with Westword at the event have a range of complaints, but most of them believe these issues can be solved with simple amenities. Denver resident Cam Thomas works with the Harm Reduction Action Center, a nonprofit that helps people inject drugs in a cleaner, safer environment.
Denver Budget Shortfall Will Lead to Layoffs, Hiring Freeze, Mayor Warns

2 weeks ago | westword.com | Bennito L Kelty

The City of Denver isn't making enough money to balance its budget, which is projected to have a $200 million deficit in 2026, and will need to stop hiring in most departments, lay off city employees and furlough others, including Mayor Mike Johnston, who made the announcement on Thursday, May 22. "We'll have to look at the reduction or elimination of programs.
Controversial Aurora Landlord Developing Caribbean Resort Amid Arrest Warrant

2 weeks ago | westword.com | Bennito L Kelty

Shmaryahu Baumgarten, one of the brothers who claimed that violent Venezuelan gangs had taken over their Aurora apartment buildings in August, is currently developing a $200 million luxury Caribbean beach resort in the Turks and Caicos Islands that locals worry is an environmental hazard. A Turks and Caicos resident reached out to Westword with concerns about the Shmaryahu's project after they saw him at a groundbreaking ceremony for the resort last week and then looked into his background.
Denver Now Has a Top-Ten Park System in the Country

2 weeks ago | westword.com | Bennito L Kelty

Denver has one of the best park systems among the biggest cities in the United States, according to the Trust for Public Land (TPL), a nonprofit that published its annual ParkScore index on Wednesday, May 21. Among the country's 100 most populated cities, Denver has the tenth best park system in 2025, up three spots from the TPL rankings last year. Denver had more than 500 parks scored in its ParkScore ranking, highlighted by large neighborhood parks like Washington, City and Sloan's Lake parks.
New Bike Trail, Major Rec Center Coming to Westwood Neighborhood

2 weeks ago | westword.com | Bennito L Kelty

The Westwood neighborhood will soon welcome a couple of impressive recreation options as it broke ground last month on a $56 million recreation center that's set to open in summer 2027, and will cut the ribbon on a new multi-use trail this year. "Historically, this area has been underserved, with limited access to recreational facilities and green spaces," according to District 3 Councilwoman Jamie Torres. "Both projects are essential for the health and safety of the Westwood neighborhood.
Jason Crow: 1,400 Immigrants Detained in Aurora, VA facing 80,000 Job Cuts

3 weeks ago | westword.com | Bennito L Kelty

Colorado Congressman Jason Crow is "very troubled" with what he's seeing at federal facilities now that President Donald Trump is back in office. During a virtual town hall Crow held on Thursday, May 15, he warned constituents that the White House will continue imprisoning immigrants in Aurora and wants to cut staff at the VA hospital and Medicaid for thousands in his district.