Trump’s Immigration Crackdown: Colorado Rights Group Speaks Out on New Executive Orders

DENVER (KDVR) – President Donald Trump, newly sworn in for his second term, has signed several executive orders addressing issues like immigration, the U.S.-Mexico border, and refugee policies. These decisions have sparked strong reactions from immigrant advocacy groups, including the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC), which is preparing to support affected communities.

Key Immigration-Related Executive Actions

President Trump’s executive orders include significant changes to immigration policies. These actions reflect his administration’s focus on stricter border security and enforcement measures. Key highlights include:

1. National Emergency at the U.S.-Mexico Border: Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border and plans to deploy U.S. troops to assist immigration agents.
2. Reversal of Biden’s Immigration Order: The new directive eliminates the previous policy prioritizing deportation for individuals involved in serious crimes or national security threats. Now, all undocumented individuals are prioritized for deportation.
3. Ending Birthright Citizenship: Trump has announced plans to challenge the constitutional right of birthright citizenship.
4. Restarting the “Remain in Mexico” Policy: The administration intends to reinstate a policy requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed, although Mexico’s agreement to this is uncertain.
5. Eliminating the CBP One App: A Biden-era app that facilitated legal entry for nearly one million migrants will be discontinued.

CIRC’s Response to New Policies

The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition is actively preparing to address the impact of these changes on immigrant communities. Speaking to FOX31, CIRC’s co-executive director, Gladis Ibarra, emphasized the importance of collective action and support for immigrants, both documented and undocumented.

“We are building a net of support for our immigrant neighbors, whether they’ve been here for decades or are new arrivals,” Ibarra said.

Lessons from the Past

Ibarra highlighted the lessons learned during Trump’s first term, particularly in dealing with large-scale detentions and deportations. She noted that these experiences have strengthened the group’s resolve to protect immigrant rights and create a safe environment for all.

“Trump’s campaign ran on a platform of anti-immigrant rhetoric. We’ve been through this before, and we’ve learned how to care for and protect one another,” Ibarra explained.

Empowering Immigrants with Knowledge

To prepare for the potential impact of these policies, CIRC has been hosting events, both in-person and online, to educate immigrants about their rights. These sessions focus on state legislation and practical steps immigrants can take to safeguard themselves.

“It’s up to us to keep each other safe,” Ibarra said.

Tracking and Responding to Enforcement

CIRC is also leveraging the Colorado Rapid Response Network, a tool used to document and respond to reports of federal law enforcement activities. This initiative has been instrumental in identifying rights violations and implementing local protections for immigrants.

“The network helps us keep track of enforcement actions. By doing so, we’ve uncovered rights violations and used that information to push for local protections,” Ibarra explained.

Colorado’s Local Protections

Colorado has state laws limiting how local and state law enforcement agencies collaborate with federal immigration authorities. These laws aim to provide additional safeguards for immigrant communities in the state.

Military and National Guard Involvement

One of Trump’s executive orders clarifies the role of the military and National Guard in border protection. FOX31 reached out to the Colorado Governor’s Office for a response to this order but had not received a reply by the time of publication.

Advocacy for Unity

Ibarra emphasized that the challenges faced by immigrant communities require a united effort. She urged all residents, regardless of their immigration status or how they arrived in the U.S., to stand together and uphold the values that make Colorado home.

“Protecting our communities will take all of us. We must work together to uplift the values of the place we call home,” she said.

Moving Forward

As Trump’s new immigration policies take effect, organizations like CIRC are doubling down on their efforts to protect immigrant rights. By providing education, tracking enforcement actions, and advocating for state-level protections, they aim to support vulnerable communities during this period of uncertainty.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed about their rights and to report any instances of rights violations through local networks and advocacy groups.

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.

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