Bennito L. Kelty
Audio By Carbonatix
The deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti occurred in Minnesota, but they’re deeply felt in Denver. Good and Pretti, killed by federal agents during immigration raids, had familial connections to Colorado, which has been a hotbed of anti-ICE activism since Donald Trump took office again last year.
Protests have drawn thousands to the Colorado State Capitol since Good and Pretti were killed, but the anger and sadness continue to swell as federal officials dispute video evidence and troll Minnesota on social media. The City of Denver just joined a lawsuit against ICE and the Trump administration for the federal government’s actions in Minnesota, and this city’s residents, activists and business owners have plenty of protests, events and other ways to put heat on ICE.
Here’s how Denver is giving ICE the middle finger:
Upcoming Protests and Other Actions
Know Your Rights Training
Wednesday, February 25, 6 to 8 p.m.
Location shared upon registration
Hosted by the Denver Justice Project, this two-hour class and community gathering will teach attendees about citizen and immigrant rights in the United States. “Our communities are under attack and the response can’t just be outrage. It has to be organized,” part of the event’s description reads. “Join Denver Justice Project for a Know Your Rights training and community orientation for anyone looking to connect, get involved, and build real community defense and resistance.” Register to attend and learn more with the Denver Justice Project.
Resources and More Ways to Help
Looking for more information, or want to donate time or money? Here are some options:
Defending Colorado
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has set up a website that not only includes information on immigration rights, but collects complaints.
Casa de Paz
Casa de Paz welcomes recently released newcomers, asylum seekers and immigrants, facilitating their next steps towards reunifications with loved ones.
Colorado Rapid Response Network
The CRRN operates a statewide hotline, verifies reports of ICE activity, and connects community members with legal and humanitarian resources across Colorado.
Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition
The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition is a statewide, membership-based coalition of immigrant, faith, labor, youth, community, business and ally organizations founded in 2002 to improve the lives of immigrants and refugees by making Colorado a more welcoming, immigrant-friendly state.
Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund
This program through the Denver Foundation accepts donations to help fund and administer grants to qualified nonprofits providing pro-bono or low-bono legal assistance for migrants.
Denver Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs
A guide to city services for immigrants and refugees.
Immigrant Freedom Fund
This organization pays the bonds of people detained at the Immigration & Customs Enforcement Facility in Aurora, Colorado.
Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network
The Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN) provides free immigration legal and social services to immigrant children and to adults in immigration detention.
Rose Community Foundation Newcomers Fund
This fund collects and distributes grants to nonprofits providing direct essential services — like food, clothing, and employment support — to immigrants and refugees.
Businesses Speaking Out Against ICE
Many businesses closed in support of immigrants on January 30; others are planning actions in the days ahead…or continuing offers.
On top of the popular “Fuck ICE” latte at Good Bones, local businesses such as Horrid Tattoo, Sinners Denver salon, Vibe Gym, Sapphire Collective tattoos, Outside Pizza, Ritual indoor cycling and Ink & Drink will be holding fundraisers on certain days for immigrant rights attorneys, organizations and individuals in need.
And Voice Media Group, parent company of Westword, is donating 50 percent of all membership contributions received January 30-31 to the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network. Read our statement here.
