Colorado Shows Up for Migrants in Midst of Rampant ICE Raids

Thousands of Coloradans gathered at the State Capital building in Denver on Wednesday for a massive day of protest. Protesters and speakers expressed their many grievances with the current presidential administration, from Elon Musk’s unelected power to major cuts in funding for federal programs. However, deportation and immigration took precedence, as ICE began raids in Denver, Aurora, and the greater metro Area earlier this week.

This month, a series of ICE raids targeted immigrant families across the Denver metro area. Over 100 federal and local agents, including those from ICE, FBI, and DHS, participated in these operations.  According to immigration advocates and volunteers on the ground, the raids occurred without presenting judicial warrants and left communities terrified and in turmoil as individuals—some of whom were actively seeking asylum—were detained without cause.

Busloads of students and staff from APS and DPS attended Wednesday’s protest.

The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC) and other advocacy groups condemned the raids as unjustified and indiscriminate, describing them as a direct attack on immigrant families trying to build better lives.

“These raids are a disgraceful abuse of power, an attack on families, and a direct attempt to criminalize immigrants,” said Andrea Loya, Executive Director of Casa De Paz.

Caitlin Trent, Political Director of CIRC, decried the raids as “indiscriminate shows of force” that violated constitutional rights and only served to instill fear in the immigrant community. Several reports indicated that ICE agents went door to door, destroyed property, and used excessive force, including rubber bullets, to pursue tenants in apartment complexes.

Advocates emphasized the misuse of public resources in these operations, which they argue are politically motivated. “This is a waste of taxpayer dollars and an insult to law enforcement officers who should be working on real investigations,” said Henry Sandman, Co-Executive Director of CIRC. They also noted that communities are safer when law enforcement isn’t engaged in immigration enforcement and when immigrants feel secure enough to report crimes without fear of deportation.

The raids sparked a powerful response from the community, with volunteers stepping in to inform residents of their rights, preventing further detentions. “An informed community is a protected one,” said V Reeves, a local organizer with Housekeys Action Network Denver. ICE agents left a raid at the now infamous Edge at Lowry complex empty-handed after residents refused to open their doors.

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Community members rallied by the thousands at the Capitol to demand an end to these raids and to call for the protection of immigrant rights. The advocacy groups continue to push for justice, with upcoming marches and rallies planned for Saturday, February 8, to show solidarity and resist the criminalization of immigrants.

In the face of fear and intimidation, Coloradans are united in their determination to protect immigrant families and fight for a future of dignity and democracy.