• February 17th, 2025
  • Monday, 01:39:24 PM

A Call to Defend and Unite: Coloradans Prepare in Response to  President’s Inauguration


Immigrant families and allies across Colorado are uniting and preparing to defend our communities from increased threats under a second Trump administration. (Photo: CIRC) / Familias inmigrantes y aliados de todo Colorado se están uniendo y preparándose para defender a nuestra comunidades frente al aumento de ataques bajo una segunda administración de Trump. (Foto: CIRC)

 

Posted Jan. 23, 2025

 

Immigrant families and allies across Colorado are uniting and preparing to defend our communities from increased threats under a second Trump administration. His administration signals a renewal of inhumane attacks on human rights, including threats of mass deportations, xenophobic policies, and rhetoric designed to divide communities and tear families apart. In the face of these threats, advocates are heartened by the growing number of Coloradans across the state who have signed up to attend trainings to protect themselves and their neighbors.

 

Defending Our Neighbors


As Trump’s administration sets a course to ramp up enforcement and their cruel plan for mass deportations, crudely coined “Operation Aurora” – Colorado is a critical firewall against these attacks. In addition to enshrining powerful protections through state law, Coloradans across the state have been mobilizing to learn their rights and volunteer with the Colorado Rapid Response Network to be ready to respond to potential ICE raids. Together, our state continues to prove that investing in keeping families together creates stronger, safer, and more united communities.

 

“Our communities thrive when everyone—regardless of immigration status—can live with dignity, safety, and the freedom to pursue their dreams. Together, we will defend every family and every neighbor from policies rooted in hate,” shared Henry Sandman, Co-Executive Director of the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC).

 

A Legacy of Strength and Solidarity


“In Colorado, we’ve built a state where unity and resilience have defeated fear and hate.” said Gladis Ibarra, Co-Executive Director of the

Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC). “We will not allow hate to undermine the progress we’ve fought so hard to achieve. We will continue to protect and defend our neighbors and ensure Colorado remains a beacon of hope and humanity for all.”

Action and Preparedness
Advocates are taking immediate steps to equip and empower immigrants, mixed status families, and allies. Below are some ways to prepare and get involved:

  • Colorado Rapid Response Network Hotline: A critical tool to support families facing ICE activity. Families and allies can access this resource by calling 1-844-864-8341 and signing up to volunteer for the hotline.
  • Know Your Rights Trainings: CIRC and partners are ramping up KYR workshops across Colorado to ensure families understand their rights and how to protect themselves – sign up for one today.
  • Family Preparedness Packets: Comprehensive guides are available to help families prepare for potential immigration enforcement actions.

 

Visit bit.ly/KYRColorado for details on these resources and to sign up to get involved or to attend a future Know Your Rights training.

 

Standing Together in Unprecedented Times
Though the road ahead may be difficult, our community is resilient. We call on every Coloradan to stand united—immigrants and allies alike—and to connect with local organizations fighting for justice and dignity for all. Our community has been tested before, and each time, we’ve emerged stronger.

 

Data Highlights:

  • In Colorado, one in ten children have an immigrant parent.
  • Over 162,000 Coloradans are at risk of being torn apart by mass deportations, impacting key industries like construction, agriculture, hospitality and food services.
  • Immigrants in Colorado contributed $436.5 million in state and local taxes in 2022.
  • Nationally, more than 7 million Americans live with an undocumented family member, and deportations inflict long-term harm on children, families, and communities.

 

Call to Action
When our communities are targeted, we keep each other safe. Join us at the We Fight Back Day of Action on Saturday, January 25th at 2pm at the Fletcher Plaza in Aurora, Colorado. 

As we face this new chapter, CIRC urges everyone to stay informed and get connected. The challenges ahead are great, but our resolve is greater. Together, we will build a future that honors the contributions, dignity, and humanity of all people.