As communities across the nation brace for a potential large-scale deportation operation over the next few days, news reports indicate there are several cities being targeted, including Denver. At the Colorado Health Foundation, we stand with immigrant communities in Denver and across Colorado. This proposed operation is unjust and inhumane – it will inevitably tear more mixed-citizenship families apart and spread fear in neighborhoods and communities that are a part of who Colorado is.
We know that those threatened with deportation do not deserve this treatment and instead deserve guaranteed protections to seek refuge and a better life.
Our mission squarely centers on creating healthy and inclusive communities for all Coloradans and their families, regardless of immigration status. We honor the tradition of welcoming those who have chosen to call Colorado ‘home’ because we believe that everyone should have the right to choose where they live, without fear being ripped out of their homes or away from their loved ones.
In this time of critical need, we want to help immigrant communities – and their allies – be as informed as possible, so they can know their power, their resiliency and their rights. Immigrants who fear these potential raids have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. And those of us who support immigrant communities have an opportunity to help spread the word.
Resources:
- There are organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union who offers many multilingual resources – in some cases, up to 13 different language translations are available.
- The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition is statewide organization focused on improving the lives of immigrants and refugees by making Colorado a more welcoming, immigrant-friendly state. They are hosting learning sessions for families to learn their rights and has staff for families who are involved in deportation proceedings. They also offer resources and tips for to help communities be informed and prepared if raids occur, along with a Rapid Response Network hotline: (844-864-8341, option 2).
- Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network is a non-profit organization that serves adults and children living on low-income in immigration proceedings. They offer a 24/7 hotline (303-866-9308), screenings for any affected and detained individuals and they connect immigrants to necessary on-the-ground services. They are not only looking to support those in need – they need volunteers too – from pro bono attorneys to health care professionals, translators and interpreters.
Keeping families together keeps families healthy. This is key to making Colorado stronger, safer and more prosperous.