Protesters
- 4347 views
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Denver last week in response to a series of aggressive ICE raids targeting undocumented immigrants, an initiative branded "Operation Aurora" by former President Donald Trump.
Protesters rallied on both Wednesday and Saturday, expressing their solidarity with undocumented individuals while denouncing the Trump administration's immigration policies. At the forefront of the movement was Amanda Starks, a local artist dedicated to educating immigrants about their legal rights. Starks noted a strong sense of community, despite the increased challenges faced compared to preceding years.
"We're here to fight for our neighbours, to stand together and say no to the threats from the Trump administration," she declared during a rally on Saturday.
Trump's actions have heightened tensions in Colorado, where his executive orders have led to the defunding and suspension of operations at the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN). This non-profit organization has been instrumental in providing free legal services to undocumented populations. The defunding has led to a decline in the availability of legal representation for these individuals in Colorado.
Last week, SWAT teams executed raids across multiple apartment complexes in Denver and Aurora, often accompanied by media coverage from networks such as Fox News. Although numerous arrests were made, only one confirmed gang member was apprehended, fostering a climate of fear among the estimated 155,000 undocumented immigrants residing in Colorado. In response to the raids, RMIAN has taken proactive steps to train 100 Colorado attorneys in basic immigration law, mobilizing volunteers to assist those affected.
Activists and representatives from organizations like the Immigrant Legal Resource Center distributed legal information during the raids and at rallies, where chants such as "When ICE shows up? Don’t open the door!" echoed through the crowd. Community members have initiated weekly meetings at local churches to discuss strategies for offering legal support to immigrants. A recent gathering drew over 1,500 attendees, highlighting the level of concern in the community. Criticism has also been directed at CBZ Management, a New York-based company overseeing properties in Denver and Aurora, which cited gang activity as a justification for neglecting these locations.
Trump referenced these claims in a debate against Kamala Harris, ironically positioning Aurora as a focal point of his campaign despite Colorado’s Democratic-leaning history. This development aligns with the broader political narratives espoused by hard-right, anti-immigrant figures like former Congressman Tom Tancredo, who have significantly influenced the Make America Great Again movement. Despite widespread protests, Colorado remains home to conservative voters who continue to support Trump-aligned representatives, such as Lauren Boebert.
Boebert and other state legislators have urged Democratic Governor Jared Polis to reconsider existing immigrant rights protections, although Polis, often described as a "Democratic libertarian," has supported key elements of Trump's deportation agenda. The rally on Saturday concluded peacefully at the state capitol, with activists distributing literature and announcing plans for future events.
Katie Leonard, an organizer with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, voiced the need for community preparedness and legal awareness in the wake of ICE operations.