DENVER — Colorado leaders are bracing for the ramifications of President Donald Trump’s executive orders on immigration enforcement, as community advocate Jeanette Vizguerra works tirelessly to assist undocumented immigrants adversely affected by the new directives. "[Trump] is trying to create very much damage in my community, but at the same time, around the country, the people are ready to fight," Vizguerra asserted. Formerly facing deportation, she sought sanctuary at Denver’s First Unitarian Church for three years, highlighting the stark measures taken by immigrants to avoid arrest and removal.
According to her legal counsel, Vizguerra, who fled violence from Mexico City to the U.S. with her family in 1997, emphasizes the urgency to support individuals facing similar threats. The administration’s recent actions, particularly from Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman, set the tone for stricter immigration enforcement by dismantling protections for sensitive areas where ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had previously limited operations.
"This action empowers the brave men and women in CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens—including murderers and rapists—who have illegally come to our country," Huffman declared. The newly issued guidance, effective immediately, eliminates the guidelines firmly rooted for over ten years restricting deportation operations within sensitive areas such as schools and churches. The reversal allows for wider enforcement capabilities, aiming to fulfill Trump’s long-standing campaign promise of mass deportations.
Vizguerra champions her commitment to creating networks of safe spaces and empowering the immigrant community through workshops titled “Know Your Rights.” She believes it is imperative for immigrants and their allies to build resistance against what she describes as unjust policies. "Immigration around the world is natural. These people need to understand America is one continent, not one country. The USA is composed of people around the world," she declared passionately.
While Huffman criticized the Biden administration for allegedly facilitating unrestricted access for 1.5 million migrants through humanitarian programs, he redefined the purpose of humanitarian parole to focus on assessing individual cases—a dramatic shift from the previous administration's approach.
Describing the new policies as potentially devastating for immigrant families, particularly children who are U.S. citizens, Olivia Golden, interim executive director of the Center for Law and Social Policy, warned: "This action could deter them from receiving medical attention, seeking disaster relief, attending school, and carrying out everyday activities."
Schools and churches across the nation have begun preparing for this eventuality. For example, the Fresno Unified School District articulated its clear and strong stance: immigration enforcement is not permitted on campuses without valid court orders. This follows various statements from educators ensuring the safety of students and their families during these turbulent policy changes.
Rev. K Karper from St. Paul & St. Andrew United Methodist Church vocalized his support for those seeking sanctuary, emphasizing, "We’re going to make it clear to anybody who’s in the building, who feels threatened by this, their rights are protected." His church has erected signs asserting their sanctuary status and allowing visitors to feel safe from potential ICE detainments.
Throughout history, dozens have sought refuge within churches as they evade ICE apprehension, illustrating the lengths to which migrants will go to secure safety. Despite the newly unregulated reach of immigration officers, Vizguerra maintains hope, stating, "I have options to continue to have some people in secure spaces. At the same time, we have the rapid response line for people to call and share the activities of ICE." Her determination reflects the resilience of the immigrant community, even amid increasingly hostile policies.
Overall, the Trump administration's alteration of immigration enforcement policies continues to evoke strong reactions across multiple sectors, raising questions about the future treatment of undocumented individuals and the safety of vulnerable communities. While the government’s focus on stringent enforcement aims at tackling undocumented migration, the human cost remains high, as advocates stress new policies will only incite fear and force individuals to avoid necessary services.
Across Colorado and the rest of the nation, community leaders mobilize support systems, legal workshops, and crisis response lines as advocates and immigrant families unify under the banner of resistance against policies deemed oppressive. The challenge now rests on the shoulders of the public, as grassroots movements emerge across the nation, rallying to affirm the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. "All years I’m living here, I pay taxes. Donald Trump does not pay taxes. My charge for entering the [country] is one misdemeanor. Trump has 24 felonies. Who is the real criminal?" Vizguerra declared, forcing society to confront the complex realities of justice, morality, and the immigrant experience.