DENVER -- The debate over illegal immigration is literally up in the air in Denver.

Two billboards are bringing new attention to this explosive issue. The signs are on display at 21st and California streets, and 6th Avenue and Osage Street.

The sign on California Street says, "Mr. President, Mr. Governor, Mr. Mayor; They did not die for ... ILLEGAL SANCTUARY!" the reference is to fallen soldiers and contains images of rifles and helmets. The other sign, which greets drivers on 6th Avenue as they head into Denver, says, "Welcome to SANCTUARY CITY... Relax, you made it!"

The signs are the work of an organization called "Billboard Colorado," which plans to put up many other billboards to draw attention to this issue. The group is unhappy about current immigration policies, which it argues are not tough enough on people who are in this country illegally.

They say Denver is a place where illegal immigrants can feel safe, where there is no threat of deportation, and where they feel immune from the law.

"This is an expression of the dissatisfaction of people. They sent money, $5, $10, $100 put together, and of course, this is what it is," said Peter Boyles, a KHOW talk show host.

Boyles founded the billboard group, which he said has raised tens of thousands of dollars already. Boyles calls the groundswell of support for the billboard project "stunning."

"It appears to me that the attitude of our Senate is, 'break into my house and I'll feed you and I'll give you a place to sleep.' And I think that's wrong," said one of Boyle's listeners.

"We are a nation built of laws. Either we are going to follow them, or we're not," said Arvada resident Paige Garduno.

A lone protester stood nearby to protest the billboard in downtown Denver. Richard Delgado's handheld sign said, "No Billboards for Bigots." He said the people behind the billboard were exploiting the deaths of soldiers for their own cause. He was confronted by an angry veteran who called him a racial slur.

The group Billboard Colorado argues that society gives preferential treatment to illegal immigrants, rolling out the red carpet to illegal immigrants but not doing the same for military veterans who can't get the health care they need.

"A lot of members of my family have fought in WWII, the Korean War, on and on and on, and they didn't do it for this. (Illegal immigration) isn't what it was all about, to give up our sovereignty," said Garduno.