State Rep. Naquetta Ricks, a Democrat from Aurora, shared her family’s experience fleeing Liberia due to civil war during a press conference at the Colorado State Capitol. She emphasized the human stories behind undocumented immigrants and spoke out against intolerance based on immigration status.
Joined by immigrants, advocates, and elected officials, the group gathered to oppose President Trump’s immigration policies, expressing concerns about mass deportations and their impact on Colorado’s diverse community. Colorado is home to over 570,000 foreign-born residents.
Trump’s executive orders, including declaring a national emergency on the U.S.-Mexico border and prioritizing the construction of the border wall, have raised fears of potential ICE raids. Lawsuits challenging Trump’s limitations on birthright citizenship have been filed by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser and other states.
State Rep. Junie Joseph, a Haitian immigrant, highlighted the economic and social costs of mass deportations, particularly the separation of children from their parents. Trump’s policies could strain Colorado’s child welfare system, already facing significant budget shortfalls.
Cristian Solano-Córdova, an immigrant without legal status and former student body president, shared his concerns about protecting his American citizen sister in case their mother gets deported. The family’s mixed legal status adds complexity to their situation, as Solano-Córdova worries about his sister’s future security.
The press conference aimed to address the potential impacts of Trump’s immigration policies on Colorado’s immigrant communities, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding towards undocumented individuals. Stay informed with Colorado Politics’ weekly newsletter, The Spot, for updates on this ongoing issue.
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