Welcome to One Thing Trump Did, available exclusively on The Middle podcast feed. I'm Jeremy Hobson. Each week on this podcast, we are looking at one thing President Trump did, since there is so much happening, and we're going to try and break things down in the same rational, non partisan, factual way we do on The Middle. In this episode are one thing is deportations, which is such a big thing that we're going to focus just on one part of it, how they're playing out in the state of Colorado. I'm coming to you from Colorado Public Radio in Denver, a city that's been at the forefront of the country's ongoing debate over immigration and deportation. This is one of the cities that Texas Governor Greg Abbott was busting migrants to, and at least forty migrants were sent to Denver between December twenty twenty two. In March twenty twenty four, then, during the presidential campaign, President Trump focused in on Aurora, Colorado, a suburb of Denver where he said Venezuelan gang members had taken over apartment buildings. He said he would launch something called Operation Aurora to deport violent gang members and use a seventeen to ninety eight law to do it well. As you know, he just used that law to send hundreds of migrants on planes to El Salvador, which a judge tried so far unsuccessfully to stop him from doing. So let's talk about what's happening with four people. Four Wow, that is a lot of people who are following it closely. Joining me are Kyle Harris, a reporter who's covering this issue at Denver. Right, Hi, Kyle, Hello, Alison Sherry, who is Colorado Public Radio's immigration and justice reporter. High Alison Hi, Right. And Andrea Looya, who's executive director at Casa Depas, which offers outreach and support to people who are released from the Immigration Detention Center in Aurora. Andrea, Hello. And finally Jordan T. Garcia, who's the program director for Coloraden's for Immigrant Rights, which is a program of the American Friends Service Committee AFSC. Great to have you all on the program. Good evening, Kyle, you've been covering this issue. What has the experience of Trump's deportation campaign been here in Denver?

Welcome to One Thing Trump Did, available exclusively on The Middle podcast feed. I'm Jeremy Hobson. Each week on this podcast, we are looking at one thing President Trump did, since there is so much happening, and we're going to try and break things down in the same rational, non partisan, factual way we do on The Middle. In this episode are one thing is deportations, which is such a big thing that we're going to focus just on one part of it, how they're playing out in the state of Colorado. I'm coming to you from Colorado Public Radio in Denver, a city that's been at the forefront of the country's ongoing debate over immigration and deportation. This is one of the cities that Texas Governor Greg Abbott was busting migrants to, and at least forty migrants were sent to Denver between December twenty twenty two. In March twenty twenty four, then, during the presidential campaign, President Trump focused in on Aurora, Colorado, a suburb of Denver where he said Venezuelan gang members had taken over apartment buildings. He said he would launch something called Operation Aurora to deport violent gang members and use a seventeen to ninety eight law to do it well. As you know, he just used that law to send hundreds of migrants on planes to El Salvador, which a judge tried so far unsuccessfully to stop him from doing. So let's talk about what's happening with four people. Four Wow, that is a lot of people who are following it closely. Joining me are Kyle Harris, a reporter who's covering this issue at Denver. Right, Hi, Kyle, Hello, Alison Sherry, who is Colorado Public Radio's immigration and justice reporter. High Alison Hi, Right. And Andrea Looya, who's executive director at Casa Depas, which offers outreach and support to people who are released from the Immigration Detention Center in Aurora. Andrea, Hello. And finally Jordan T. Garcia, who's the program director for Coloraden's for Immigrant Rights, which is a program of the American Friends Service Committee AFSC. Great to have you all on the program. Good evening, Kyle, you've been covering this issue. What has the experience of Trump's deportation campaign been here in Denver?

I would say It's been one at least in terms of my coverage of fear, there has been I spend a lot of time with families. I spend a lot of time with folks who are going through the process of seeking asylum, trying to figure out how to build a life here, and those communities are really radically terrified. The other beat that I have is covering the mayor's office, and so you know, the mayor has been dragged to Washington as part of a congressional investigation into so called sanctuary cities, and that has also created quite a lot of heightened political tension.

I would say It's been one at least in terms of my coverage of fear, there has been I spend a lot of time with families. I spend a lot of time with folks who are going through the process of seeking asylum, trying to figure out how to build a life here, and those communities are really radically terrified. The other beat that I have is covering the mayor's office, and so you know, the mayor has been dragged to Washington as part of a congressional investigation into so called sanctuary cities, and that has also created quite a lot of heightened political tension.

Here as well. And Denver is a sanctuary city.

Here as well. And Denver is a sanctuary city.

Denver does not describe itself as a sanctuary city, and the mayor calls this a welcoming city, and that's been the case for since the late nineties. It's not a sanctuary city in the sense that local law enforcement does in some ways work with ice immigration customs enforcement.

Denver does not describe itself as a sanctuary city, and the mayor calls this a welcoming city, and that's been the case for since the late nineties. It's not a sanctuary city in the sense that local law enforcement does in some ways work with ice immigration customs enforcement.

But so a lot of fear is what you're seeing.

But so a lot of fear is what you're seeing.

I am seeing a ton of fear. Fear from families, fear from business owners, fear from landlords. Even in this climate.

I am seeing a ton of fear. Fear from families, fear from business owners, fear from landlords. Even in this climate.

We'll get into sure, Allison, what about you.

We'll get into sure, Allison, what about you.

Well, you know I cover mostly law enforcement and immigration as a beat. So I will say since the inauguration, there have been raids here, you know, sort of the national screaming headlines are playing out.

Well, you know I cover mostly law enforcement and immigration as a beat. So I will say since the inauguration, there have been raids here, you know, sort of the national screaming headlines are playing out.

Here at a very local level.

Here at a very local level.

There was a raid on February fifth where ICE and a bunch of federal law enforcement went to five apartment buildings.

There was a raid on February fifth where ICE and a bunch of federal law enforcement went to five apartment buildings.

Saying that they were police.

Saying that they were police.

Didn't say that they were ICE, just kind of yell police, police, police, police, and then knock on doors. There were a couple of criminal warrants signed by judges where people go in, where they go in and they knock down a door. But also they were trying to catch people coming out of their apartments, going to work, getting in cars. So I will say locally it's happening here.

Didn't say that they were ICE, just kind of yell police, police, police, police, and then knock on doors. There were a couple of criminal warrants signed by judges where people go in, where they go in and they knock down a door. But also they were trying to catch people coming out of their apartments, going to work, getting in cars. So I will say locally it's happening here.

It's quiet a little. They've quieted down.

It's quiet a little. They've quieted down.

But because of the work that Jordan's group has done with the rapid response, Colorado has uniquely been called out by the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Christy Nome and Tom Homan, who's head of ICE, for being a problem state to grab people. You know, a lot of the ICE agents right now have quotas numbers of people they're supposed to be getting every day, and it's been more difficult I think. I mean, they've said this, so I'm not putting words in anyone's mouth. It's been more difficult here than in other states because of I mean, they say it's because of our local laws, but I think it's also because there just aren't that many criminal people running around without papers. I mean, I just don't think it's like, you know, the entire city of Aurora is not just one well.

But because of the work that Jordan's group has done with the rapid response, Colorado has uniquely been called out by the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Christy Nome and Tom Homan, who's head of ICE, for being a problem state to grab people. You know, a lot of the ICE agents right now have quotas numbers of people they're supposed to be getting every day, and it's been more difficult I think. I mean, they've said this, so I'm not putting words in anyone's mouth. It's been more difficult here than in other states because of I mean, they say it's because of our local laws, but I think it's also because there just aren't that many criminal people running around without papers. I mean, I just don't think it's like, you know, the entire city of Aurora is not just one well.

And so what you're saying, though, is that they actually are focused more on people who are criminals as opposed to just people who are here illegally or are people getting swept up in these raids.

And so what you're saying, though, is that they actually are focused more on people who are criminals as opposed to just people who are here illegally or are people getting swept up in these raids.

No, I would say it's ramped up. And even in the last two weeks, they are not focusing just on people who are criminals or have criminal charges pending. They are focusing on everybody. And I was at the detention center last week interviewing a Mauritanian who has no criminal record. I interviewed a guy yesterday who has no criminal record who was swept up in a raid at an apartment building in Aurora.

No, I would say it's ramped up. And even in the last two weeks, they are not focusing just on people who are criminals or have criminal charges pending. They are focusing on everybody. And I was at the detention center last week interviewing a Mauritanian who has no criminal record. I interviewed a guy yesterday who has no criminal record who was swept up in a raid at an apartment building in Aurora.

So no, I don't I think it's I think it's ramping up.

So no, I don't I think it's I think it's ramping up.

Now when a raid happens, how do you get alerted to it? I mean, do you is it sort of like Jordan tells you that there's a raid happening. How do you find out that there's a raid happening.

Now when a raid happens, how do you get alerted to it? I mean, do you is it sort of like Jordan tells you that there's a raid happening. How do you find out that there's a raid happening.

The way that we do that is people will call our dispatchers, and our dispatchers will send out confirmers, and confirmers go to the site and they verify ICE activity if there is any, and then we're able to give that information back to the community.

The way that we do that is people will call our dispatchers, and our dispatchers will send out confirmers, and confirmers go to the site and they verify ICE activity if there is any, and then we're able to give that information back to the community.

And what is it that you do when you arrive and you find out that ICE is there? And ICE would say, we're doing our job.

And what is it that you do when you arrive and you find out that ICE is there? And ICE would say, we're doing our job.

We do say that it's important to kind of be polite and be respectful, but also to get facts. A lot of times what I say when I show up to a site like that, as I say, Hey, I got a call from someone who's really scared. Can you tell me what's happening?

We do say that it's important to kind of be polite and be respectful, but also to get facts. A lot of times what I say when I show up to a site like that, as I say, Hey, I got a call from someone who's really scared. Can you tell me what's happening?

And do they communicate back to you?

And do they communicate back to you?

Oftentimes yes, in certain ways. I'll tell you one thing is that most police officers do not like to be mistaken for ICE. So if they are police officers, they will give you their card in Denver, or they'll give you some information about themselves. They do not like to be confused with ICE. ICE is like very unliked. So a lot of times we are able to get accurate information to people. It is ice. Oftentimes what they'll do is they'll tell us, you know, we're here with drug enforcement, or we'll here with alcohol, tobacco and firearms or something like that.

Oftentimes yes, in certain ways. I'll tell you one thing is that most police officers do not like to be mistaken for ICE. So if they are police officers, they will give you their card in Denver, or they'll give you some information about themselves. They do not like to be confused with ICE. ICE is like very unliked. So a lot of times we are able to get accurate information to people. It is ice. Oftentimes what they'll do is they'll tell us, you know, we're here with drug enforcement, or we'll here with alcohol, tobacco and firearms or something like that.

And do you agree with Allison's description of the fact that the raids were happening early on in the Trump administration and maybe they've quieted down a little bit since then.

And do you agree with Allison's description of the fact that the raids were happening early on in the Trump administration and maybe they've quieted down a little bit since then.

I think the force that we saw on February fifth was pretty intense. I would say they were at least one hundred or more officers, which just the tax dollars alone is alarming. But since then we've seen smaller type operations.

I think the force that we saw on February fifth was pretty intense. I would say they were at least one hundred or more officers, which just the tax dollars alone is alarming. But since then we've seen smaller type operations.

And you should say what you guys were doing on February fifth, because I don't think the audience probably knows or can picture what the rapid response was doing, which and I think, forgive me if I'm wrong, but you guys were out there with megaphones yelling rights in Spanish, don't leave your door, don't leave, don't leave your apartment right now.

And you should say what you guys were doing on February fifth, because I don't think the audience probably knows or can picture what the rapid response was doing, which and I think, forgive me if I'm wrong, but you guys were out there with megaphones yelling rights in Spanish, don't leave your door, don't leave, don't leave your apartment right now.

You don't have to answer.

You don't have to answer.

You know, you don't have to unroll your car window, you don't have to stop, you don't have to you or guys, and you're yelling at in Spanish and English.

You know, you don't have to unroll your car window, you don't have to stop, you don't have to you or guys, and you're yelling at in Spanish and English.

So that's exactly what happens.

So that's exactly what happens.

And so I I'm the executive director Gessa, but like Jordan said, we are everybody goes on the ground like I unless I really can't picture a scenario.

And so I I'm the executive director Gessa, but like Jordan said, we are everybody goes on the ground like I unless I really can't picture a scenario.

But we work closely together.

But we work closely together.

And so once you're a confirmer, once you're a part of an organization, you drop whatever you're doing and you go confirm on a site. And so we have megaphones that we like. I have a megaphone in my car. I have flyers that I'm ready to give out. So that's another thing. It's even when you arrive on sites and ICE has already gone or it wasn't ice. It's being able to provide people this information. And so really that's what it was. It was on February fifth. It's providing no your right's information. Don't open the door if people don't have a warrant. You have the right to remain inside your apartment. You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to ask for them to give you that warrant or give assure you the piece of paper under your door. You don't have to make that physical contact with them. And so it's really just spreading this information that keeps people out of the tension.

And so once you're a confirmer, once you're a part of an organization, you drop whatever you're doing and you go confirm on a site. And so we have megaphones that we like. I have a megaphone in my car. I have flyers that I'm ready to give out. So that's another thing. It's even when you arrive on sites and ICE has already gone or it wasn't ice. It's being able to provide people this information. And so really that's what it was. It was on February fifth. It's providing no your right's information. Don't open the door if people don't have a warrant. You have the right to remain inside your apartment. You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to ask for them to give you that warrant or give assure you the piece of paper under your door. You don't have to make that physical contact with them. And so it's really just spreading this information that keeps people out of the tension.

Like Alison mentioned earlier, they.

Like Alison mentioned earlier, they.

Were showing up on February fifth, yelling police, police, police, that's scary.

Were showing up on February fifth, yelling police, police, police, that's scary.

The guy that she's taking, say, Ice was yelling police, police, police, which is which is not correct because.

The guy that she's taking, say, Ice was yelling police, police, police, which is which is not correct because.

So a lot of people what you I'm an immigrant, I was born.

So a lot of people what you I'm an immigrant, I was born.

I was born in Mexico City, but I grew up in Aurora, And so when people talk about Aurora, it's very interesting because I've actually grew up there.

I was born in Mexico City, but I grew up in Aurora, And so when people talk about Aurora, it's very interesting because I've actually grew up there.

And.

And.

You are if you hear police police, police come to your door and you're an immigrant, you're going to open the door because that's scary, and you're.

You are if you hear police police, police come to your door and you're an immigrant, you're going to open the door because that's scary, and you're.

Told that you're supposed to follow the law.

Told that you're supposed to follow the law.

And so by them doing that and opening the door to what actually was Ice, they were they found themselves in handcuffs, and now we've seen that that is exactly what happened. So we are we're talking about simply knowing that when it's police, you have to give them your name and your day of birth, but when it's Ice, you don't have to talk to them.

And so by them doing that and opening the door to what actually was Ice, they were they found themselves in handcuffs, and now we've seen that that is exactly what happened. So we are we're talking about simply knowing that when it's police, you have to give them your name and your day of birth, but when it's Ice, you don't have to talk to them.

And police don't like to be tagged together with them because they need to solve crimes. Their number one job is to solve crimes. Whether they're a federal LA Enforcement agency, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the ATF, Denver.

And police don't like to be tagged together with them because they need to solve crimes. Their number one job is to solve crimes. Whether they're a federal LA Enforcement agency, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the ATF, Denver.

Police, Aurora police.

Police, Aurora police.

They're not worried about immigration status. So if they're all lumped together, who's going to report a crime? If they're worried the ICE is going to be rounding them.

They're not worried about immigration status. So if they're all lumped together, who's going to report a crime? If they're worried the ICE is going to be rounding them.

They lose the trust of them, They lose the trust of the community. President Trump has put a lot of attention on Aurora, Colorado. As we said, they said it was taken over by Venezuelan gang members. The mayor of the city said that was exaggerated. The President said he would launch something called Operation Aurora. Kyle, I know you have done some reporting on what happened in Aurora. Why did that become such a focus for President Trump?

They lose the trust of them, They lose the trust of the community. President Trump has put a lot of attention on Aurora, Colorado. As we said, they said it was taken over by Venezuelan gang members. The mayor of the city said that was exaggerated. The President said he would launch something called Operation Aurora. Kyle, I know you have done some reporting on what happened in Aurora. Why did that become such a focus for President Trump?

Well, it started really over the summer. So in the summer, CBZ Management, which was a property management company, contracted with a Florida pr firm who basically started pushing this idea that trained Aragua of Venezuelan prison gang had taken over a series of apartments in Aurora. Daniel Drinsky, who's a councilwoman in Aurora, took the mantle on this, and it was a loud public conversation. There was video that showed armed men going through one of cbz's apartment complexes. That video went viral, and the idea of trained Airagua being like the scariest gang in the world really in some ways seem to have taken off around Aurora, Colorado. You know Kevin who's in the audience here, and I spent quite a lot of time at these apartments. We did not see firsthand some massive gang presence. We saw a lot of families, We saw a lot of community people who are trying to get by day to day. But the national narrative spun this idea of a gang takeover so thoroughly. And really those apartment buildings, I mean they were what Aurora Mike Kaufman described as slums and described them as out of state slum lords. They were in rough condition, and the management company was really looking to get out of a legal struggle with the city of Aurora and more recently now with Denver. In fact, one of the one of the folks with CBZ is on a warrant right now, has a warrant right now because he didn't show up to court at any rate. All this pops nationally, Trump takes it up. He just he pledges he's going to come to Aurora. He talks about it in the presidential debate. He shows up at the Gaylord Hotel. You know, he's talking very muscularly about taking on train. De Ragua shows up on the outskirts of Aurora. He has an invitation from Mayor Mike Kaufman, a fellow Republican, to come check out what's actually happening in the city because Aurora was taking hits. Also in terms of business. Trump does not go to any of the apartment complexes, but he does launch this Operation Aurora, which he described at the time as you know, the first step of his mass deportation plan. So that is is where it took off. And you know, if you were living here right after Inauguration day, you were waiting for those raids that we saw on February fifth to explode. On day one. We were all on edge assuming there would be mass ice raids that took a couple of weeks to happen.

Well, it started really over the summer. So in the summer, CBZ Management, which was a property management company, contracted with a Florida pr firm who basically started pushing this idea that trained Aragua of Venezuelan prison gang had taken over a series of apartments in Aurora. Daniel Drinsky, who's a councilwoman in Aurora, took the mantle on this, and it was a loud public conversation. There was video that showed armed men going through one of cbz's apartment complexes. That video went viral, and the idea of trained Airagua being like the scariest gang in the world really in some ways seem to have taken off around Aurora, Colorado. You know Kevin who's in the audience here, and I spent quite a lot of time at these apartments. We did not see firsthand some massive gang presence. We saw a lot of families, We saw a lot of community people who are trying to get by day to day. But the national narrative spun this idea of a gang takeover so thoroughly. And really those apartment buildings, I mean they were what Aurora Mike Kaufman described as slums and described them as out of state slum lords. They were in rough condition, and the management company was really looking to get out of a legal struggle with the city of Aurora and more recently now with Denver. In fact, one of the one of the folks with CBZ is on a warrant right now, has a warrant right now because he didn't show up to court at any rate. All this pops nationally, Trump takes it up. He just he pledges he's going to come to Aurora. He talks about it in the presidential debate. He shows up at the Gaylord Hotel. You know, he's talking very muscularly about taking on train. De Ragua shows up on the outskirts of Aurora. He has an invitation from Mayor Mike Kaufman, a fellow Republican, to come check out what's actually happening in the city because Aurora was taking hits. Also in terms of business. Trump does not go to any of the apartment complexes, but he does launch this Operation Aurora, which he described at the time as you know, the first step of his mass deportation plan. So that is is where it took off. And you know, if you were living here right after Inauguration day, you were waiting for those raids that we saw on February fifth to explode. On day one. We were all on edge assuming there would be mass ice raids that took a couple of weeks to happen.

It's funny I didn't see any of that in the one hundred and forty four character tweets about this that went viral across the internet.

It's funny I didn't see any of that in the one hundred and forty four character tweets about this that went viral across the internet.

No, the ins and outs of CBC management or not the first thing the administration was concited about.

No, the ins and outs of CBC management or not the first thing the administration was concited about.

So Allison, as you're trying to figure out, as you're reporting on this, who is actually being taken in and caught in these raids deported obviously, who's being sent on planes to El Salvador in recent days? How much do you know about who it is that is actually being captured and deported.

So Allison, as you're trying to figure out, as you're reporting on this, who is actually being taken in and caught in these raids deported obviously, who's being sent on planes to El Salvador in recent days? How much do you know about who it is that is actually being captured and deported.

That has been a harder question than you'd think to figure out because, as Andrea has said, they have been completely not transparent about who all these people are. You know, I think us along with every other media organization or like, well, who is on the alsalvad Or plane? Like can we look at can we just give us a list of names and so we can look up their criminal records? Were they facing criminal charges in the United States? You know, what we have determined is that there are all kinds of people being deported. There are people without criminal records at all who have been put into removal proceedings, including the very prominent Tinetvisquerra, who is.

That has been a harder question than you'd think to figure out because, as Andrea has said, they have been completely not transparent about who all these people are. You know, I think us along with every other media organization or like, well, who is on the alsalvad Or plane? Like can we look at can we just give us a list of names and so we can look up their criminal records? Were they facing criminal charges in the United States? You know, what we have determined is that there are all kinds of people being deported. There are people without criminal records at all who have been put into removal proceedings, including the very prominent Tinetvisquerra, who is.

We you know, has been reported this week a lot.

We you know, has been reported this week a lot.

She was an outspoken immigrant advocate in Denver and Aurora throughout since twenty ten about keeping families together. And she was picked up on Monday, and she's still in detention.

She was an outspoken immigrant advocate in Denver and Aurora throughout since twenty ten about keeping families together. And she was picked up on Monday, and she's still in detention.

From her job at Target.

From her job at Target.

And it seems I mean, her lawyers would say it seems a little bit like a persecution of a because she's been very outspoken against the Trump administration and family separation. But we know people like her have been swept up in these raids. But we also know that some people who have serious criminal charges or serious criminal allegations are also getting deported without going through the US criminal justice system. And I think, you know, I asked the head of the DEA local here, I said, does that make us safer? I mean, You've got a guy, you know, who's been trafficking fentanyl into the United States, and you're just deporting him. You're not going to send him to the US Attorney's office for a federal prosecution or federal prison. And he's like, it's easier, frankly, to just deport people than it is to actually go through the criminal justice system.

And it seems I mean, her lawyers would say it seems a little bit like a persecution of a because she's been very outspoken against the Trump administration and family separation. But we know people like her have been swept up in these raids. But we also know that some people who have serious criminal charges or serious criminal allegations are also getting deported without going through the US criminal justice system. And I think, you know, I asked the head of the DEA local here, I said, does that make us safer? I mean, You've got a guy, you know, who's been trafficking fentanyl into the United States, and you're just deporting him. You're not going to send him to the US Attorney's office for a federal prosecution or federal prison. And he's like, it's easier, frankly, to just deport people than it is to actually go through the criminal justice system.

These cases are difficult, and maybe.

These cases are difficult, and maybe.

They wouldn't get he wouldn't get convicted, and then he'd be out on the street again, So that's their line. They they do believe that deportations above everything else is sort of the goal.

They wouldn't get he wouldn't get convicted, and then he'd be out on the street again, So that's their line. They they do believe that deportations above everything else is sort of the goal.

Jordan, What do you do when you have a situation like that where you're not sure who's been captured and who is being deported? Is there anything that you can do at that point?

Jordan, What do you do when you have a situation like that where you're not sure who's been captured and who is being deported? Is there anything that you can do at that point?

A lot of times what we do is we try to connect people with legal services.

A lot of times what we do is we try to connect people with legal services.

But if you don't know who the person is, you can't connect them with anybody or is there Did their family member come to you and say my brother got taken?

But if you don't know who the person is, you can't connect them with anybody or is there Did their family member come to you and say my brother got taken?

Yes, absolutely, So a lot of times we hear from family members. Sometimes ice will pick somebody up on their way to work and then their car will be kind of abandoned on the side of the road, and so then we'll leave information there about our hotline and have them call. A lot of times family members will come and they'll pick up that car and they'll they'll call us from there. But yeah, once we have contact with a family member, we try to connect them with legal services.

Yes, absolutely, So a lot of times we hear from family members. Sometimes ice will pick somebody up on their way to work and then their car will be kind of abandoned on the side of the road, and so then we'll leave information there about our hotline and have them call. A lot of times family members will come and they'll pick up that car and they'll they'll call us from there. But yeah, once we have contact with a family member, we try to connect them with legal services.

Kyle.

Kyle.

The latest NBC News poll on President Trump's handling of immigration and border security still finds a majority of Americans fifty three percent support him on what's going on? Are there local agencies that in this area that you've reported on that are working with ICE, that are are happy to work with ICE on these raids.

The latest NBC News poll on President Trump's handling of immigration and border security still finds a majority of Americans fifty three percent support him on what's going on? Are there local agencies that in this area that you've reported on that are working with ICE, that are are happy to work with ICE on these raids.

Sure so. Mayor Mike Johnston himself before or the congressional hearing talked very specifically about the ways that Denver police will work with ICE law enforcement despite a lot of thoughts and feelings about how Colorado's law enforcement is set up. They are not required not to work with ICE in certain ways. From what I hear in Denver, they're pretty happy with how it's working right now, which is to say, there are limits on things like detainers. They can't hold someone extra time. Essentially for ICE to come pick someone up, they do a release outside of the jail and then ICE, but they do inform ICE that person's going to be released and then that person gets picked up. So there is a lot of concern I've heard from law enforcement about it dressing crime in general, as much as ICE makes the community safer. What the Mayor says is we want to work with them, but he thinks that the laws that we have currently, the limits on those collaborations are in fact good.

Sure so. Mayor Mike Johnston himself before or the congressional hearing talked very specifically about the ways that Denver police will work with ICE law enforcement despite a lot of thoughts and feelings about how Colorado's law enforcement is set up. They are not required not to work with ICE in certain ways. From what I hear in Denver, they're pretty happy with how it's working right now, which is to say, there are limits on things like detainers. They can't hold someone extra time. Essentially for ICE to come pick someone up, they do a release outside of the jail and then ICE, but they do inform ICE that person's going to be released and then that person gets picked up. So there is a lot of concern I've heard from law enforcement about it dressing crime in general, as much as ICE makes the community safer. What the Mayor says is we want to work with them, but he thinks that the laws that we have currently, the limits on those collaborations are in fact good.

Stay with us. We're going to be taking a quick break one thing Trump did returns in a moment. Welcome back to One Thing Trump Did exclusively on the Middle Podcast Feed. I'm Jeremy Hobson coming to you from Colorado Public Radio in Denver. This episode, we're talking with a panel of experts and reporters to see how the Trump Administration's deportations are unfolding in and around the Denver area. I'm joined by Andrea Loya, executive director at Casa de Pause, Jordan T. Garcia, program director for Coloraden's for Immigrant Rights, Denver Right reporter Kyle Harris, and Colorado Public Radio Immigration and Justice reporter Allison Sherry. Kyle, let me go back to you and ask how these measures, the deportations, every the fear that you talked about, how they impact did daily life in Denver, the economy? How are people coping with this even if they're not worried for themselves or somebody that they know is affecting the community and the economy.

Stay with us. We're going to be taking a quick break one thing Trump did returns in a moment. Welcome back to One Thing Trump Did exclusively on the Middle Podcast Feed. I'm Jeremy Hobson coming to you from Colorado Public Radio in Denver. This episode, we're talking with a panel of experts and reporters to see how the Trump Administration's deportations are unfolding in and around the Denver area. I'm joined by Andrea Loya, executive director at Casa de Pause, Jordan T. Garcia, program director for Coloraden's for Immigrant Rights, Denver Right reporter Kyle Harris, and Colorado Public Radio Immigration and Justice reporter Allison Sherry. Kyle, let me go back to you and ask how these measures, the deportations, every the fear that you talked about, how they impact did daily life in Denver, the economy? How are people coping with this even if they're not worried for themselves or somebody that they know is affecting the community and the economy.

People are not showing up to shop. I've heard that from business owners who say, our client tells just not coming in and we're having a hard time making.

People are not showing up to shop. I've heard that from business owners who say, our client tells just not coming in and we're having a hard time making.

And because they are here because undocumented and they're worried, they're going to be captured.

And because they are here because undocumented and they're worried, they're going to be captured.

Because folks are here undocumented, or they're simply afraid of ICE. I mean, there are people who are here with citizenship who have told me they are afraid of being deported by Ice. People are just afraid for their friends, and that's a huge thing economically. The other thing is, you know, you have a lot of people who have been renting, who are undocumented, who are here and documented, but in ways that maybe the Trump administration does not perceive as legal. Those folks are also really scared to go to work, and if people are scared to go to work, it's hard to pay rent. We're a city that a few years ago had inc ampments throughout our city center, and the mayor was elected on the promise of ending unsheltered homelessness in four years, ending homelessness in four years. And I think what we're seeing is the possibility that a crisis that in some ways had been addressed could be re emerging if people are afraid to access services, work, et cetera.

Because folks are here undocumented, or they're simply afraid of ICE. I mean, there are people who are here with citizenship who have told me they are afraid of being deported by Ice. People are just afraid for their friends, and that's a huge thing economically. The other thing is, you know, you have a lot of people who have been renting, who are undocumented, who are here and documented, but in ways that maybe the Trump administration does not perceive as legal. Those folks are also really scared to go to work, and if people are scared to go to work, it's hard to pay rent. We're a city that a few years ago had inc ampments throughout our city center, and the mayor was elected on the promise of ending unsheltered homelessness in four years, ending homelessness in four years. And I think what we're seeing is the possibility that a crisis that in some ways had been addressed could be re emerging if people are afraid to access services, work, et cetera.

Allison, what are you seeing in terms of the impact on the broader community.

Allison, what are you seeing in terms of the impact on the broader community.

There has been a real concentrated effort to push legally the federal government in Colorado. I mean, I just I think the number of lawsuits I'm sure there are lawyers listening and in the audience has really jumped up. You know. There are so many petitions for relief to get like, for example, Jeanette Viscatta out of detention. Her lawyers have filed something with the Tent Circuit today, they filed something with the Federal District Court already for her. There have been a lot of people who are actually not filing claims for asylum. That has slowed down because I think anyone is saying, I'm not going to raise my hand and put my name down on a piece of paper for this federal government. I don't trust them, so I'm just going to live in the shadows. I'm not going to have any numbers. And I'm sure Andrea and Jordan can speak to that way better than me. But I think that's a very fascinating trend because it's almost deterring people from following the rules.

There has been a real concentrated effort to push legally the federal government in Colorado. I mean, I just I think the number of lawsuits I'm sure there are lawyers listening and in the audience has really jumped up. You know. There are so many petitions for relief to get like, for example, Jeanette Viscatta out of detention. Her lawyers have filed something with the Tent Circuit today, they filed something with the Federal District Court already for her. There have been a lot of people who are actually not filing claims for asylum. That has slowed down because I think anyone is saying, I'm not going to raise my hand and put my name down on a piece of paper for this federal government. I don't trust them, so I'm just going to live in the shadows. I'm not going to have any numbers. And I'm sure Andrea and Jordan can speak to that way better than me. But I think that's a very fascinating trend because it's almost deterring people from following the rules.

Andrea, for our audience outside of the Denver area, who may have heard all about Aurora from President Trump and on others during the campaign, what is happening now? Have a lot of the migrants who were bust into the Denver area, stayed here, have they left? Like, what's the latest.

Andrea, for our audience outside of the Denver area, who may have heard all about Aurora from President Trump and on others during the campaign, what is happening now? Have a lot of the migrants who were bust into the Denver area, stayed here, have they left? Like, what's the latest.

We saw a lot of people settle, but we also saw a lot of people leave.

We saw a lot of people settle, but we also saw a lot of people leave.

On our end.

On our end.

In the way that we see people, it's hard to get a good picture of how many people stay and how many people leave. So I would say that in the last year, we saw a lot of people settle, and that's not a thing that we have seen before. Now we're seeing a lot of people who are in community and are still kind of in that resource space or honestly kind of in that re emerging that Kyle is talking about, like that crisis that we maybe see again where people are gonna end up unhoused. The other thing is it just it was very chaotic in the way that I think Denver did a lot of things. No again, like they did a lot of really good things too, but they didn't have program management right, So a lot of these people were housed halfway, so they weren't provided wrap around services. They were kind of just provided housing, which doesn't allow somebody who doesn't have an understanding of living in another country how to settle. So I think we're gonna start seeing a lot of people who didn't essentially get the right assistance the first time around, but on not like my currently like on our release, and we are just truly seeing a lot of what Allison is talking about, people with no criminal records, living in community for years and years and years and then just going to work and getting caught up. These are the people that are getting picked up, not just here but around the country.

In the way that we see people, it's hard to get a good picture of how many people stay and how many people leave. So I would say that in the last year, we saw a lot of people settle, and that's not a thing that we have seen before. Now we're seeing a lot of people who are in community and are still kind of in that resource space or honestly kind of in that re emerging that Kyle is talking about, like that crisis that we maybe see again where people are gonna end up unhoused. The other thing is it just it was very chaotic in the way that I think Denver did a lot of things. No again, like they did a lot of really good things too, but they didn't have program management right, So a lot of these people were housed halfway, so they weren't provided wrap around services. They were kind of just provided housing, which doesn't allow somebody who doesn't have an understanding of living in another country how to settle. So I think we're gonna start seeing a lot of people who didn't essentially get the right assistance the first time around, but on not like my currently like on our release, and we are just truly seeing a lot of what Allison is talking about, people with no criminal records, living in community for years and years and years and then just going to work and getting caught up. These are the people that are getting picked up, not just here but around the country.

I will say I believe that the figure is something like eighty percent of the people who are here in the country illegally have been here for ten years or more. It's not so much people that just showed up yesterday and arrived. Let me ask you, Jordan, how has this whole deportation, these raids, everything that's been happening in the last couple of months impacted Denver's immigrant community as a whole.

I will say I believe that the figure is something like eighty percent of the people who are here in the country illegally have been here for ten years or more. It's not so much people that just showed up yesterday and arrived. Let me ask you, Jordan, how has this whole deportation, these raids, everything that's been happening in the last couple of months impacted Denver's immigrant community as a whole.

Yeah, I mean, I would echo what Kyle's shared is that people are afraid. People are frustrated and afraid, and I think worried about each other. I will also say that I have seen people come out of the woodwork to say, hey, I was able to legalize my status and I want to do what I can now. I want to be a dispatcher for your hotline. I want to talk to my legislators, I want to vote. I want to figure out how to have know your Rights trainings at my church. So, even though there are a lot of people who are scared, which is absolutely true, have also seen people really be incredibly courageous and generous with their time and energy to care for one another.

Yeah, I mean, I would echo what Kyle's shared is that people are afraid. People are frustrated and afraid, and I think worried about each other. I will also say that I have seen people come out of the woodwork to say, hey, I was able to legalize my status and I want to do what I can now. I want to be a dispatcher for your hotline. I want to talk to my legislators, I want to vote. I want to figure out how to have know your Rights trainings at my church. So, even though there are a lot of people who are scared, which is absolutely true, have also seen people really be incredibly courageous and generous with their time and energy to care for one another.

Well, we hear from many of the people who are in that fifty three percent on our show when we do shows about this topic. Let me just read you a couple of comments that have come in. Terry and Florida wrote to us and said, people say they want to come legally, but seem completely unaware of how few visas are available and how absurdly difficult it is for people to enter. The immigration system is broken. I think a lot you would probably agree with that as well. And then Sonny and Idaho said, I totally support all deportation of illegals. I think we should immediately begin the process to amend the Constitution to stop birthright citizenship, which we know President Trump wants to do. Our country is not rich, it is trillions in debt. We need to take care of our veterans, Native Americans, and inner city residents. We need to provide housing and food for are Americans that's capitalized? Oh you are, Kyle and Allison. Let me ask each of you. Are you hearing from people who agree? Because, as we said, according to the polls, it's a majority of people nationwide. It may not be the case here in Denver, but nationwide.

Well, we hear from many of the people who are in that fifty three percent on our show when we do shows about this topic. Let me just read you a couple of comments that have come in. Terry and Florida wrote to us and said, people say they want to come legally, but seem completely unaware of how few visas are available and how absurdly difficult it is for people to enter. The immigration system is broken. I think a lot you would probably agree with that as well. And then Sonny and Idaho said, I totally support all deportation of illegals. I think we should immediately begin the process to amend the Constitution to stop birthright citizenship, which we know President Trump wants to do. Our country is not rich, it is trillions in debt. We need to take care of our veterans, Native Americans, and inner city residents. We need to provide housing and food for are Americans that's capitalized? Oh you are, Kyle and Allison. Let me ask each of you. Are you hearing from people who agree? Because, as we said, according to the polls, it's a majority of people nationwide. It may not be the case here in Denver, but nationwide.

Kyle, Well, I'll give you a really sad example of this. I wrote a story recently about a family that we've been following since August when one of those apartment buildings I was talking about earlier was shuttered. The family is now facing eviction has been struggling with that, and I wrote about that story that struggle and received an email from someone who had also experienced extremely traumatic eviction, who was a citizen, who his wife had died by suicide after an eviction, and who was furious with me that I had not covered their case, which I had to be clear, had not known about. And I did invite that story, but he was furious that we talked about an immigrant being evicted rather than those economics concerns. And I think we're in a community. We are in a city that's increasingly unaffordable, where it's hard to figure out how to live here, and so there are people who have deep resentment towards the kind of funding that has gone to addressing newcomers here. It's interesting also thinking about some of the people that I talked to. John Fabricatory, who's the former field director for ICE. I was speaking to him yesterday and he is gleeful about what's happening in terms of deportations. Interestingly, you were talking about the transparency of the Trump administration and naming who who's been deported to El Salvador, to those really intensely brutal prisons, and he too shares the interest in knowing who those people were, what their specific crimes were. I think at the end of the day, we can get in these kind of two sided political fights. Often what I hear when I talk to people are a basic sense of desperation that is shared across communities. Often resentment melts into empathy, and the longer a conversation goes on, the closer people wind up actually getting to some shared position. A desire for immigration reform. Right, Like many people acknowledge, it is very difficult to get into this country in a very clean cut legal way. We have not had meaningful immigration reform in decades.

Kyle, Well, I'll give you a really sad example of this. I wrote a story recently about a family that we've been following since August when one of those apartment buildings I was talking about earlier was shuttered. The family is now facing eviction has been struggling with that, and I wrote about that story that struggle and received an email from someone who had also experienced extremely traumatic eviction, who was a citizen, who his wife had died by suicide after an eviction, and who was furious with me that I had not covered their case, which I had to be clear, had not known about. And I did invite that story, but he was furious that we talked about an immigrant being evicted rather than those economics concerns. And I think we're in a community. We are in a city that's increasingly unaffordable, where it's hard to figure out how to live here, and so there are people who have deep resentment towards the kind of funding that has gone to addressing newcomers here. It's interesting also thinking about some of the people that I talked to. John Fabricatory, who's the former field director for ICE. I was speaking to him yesterday and he is gleeful about what's happening in terms of deportations. Interestingly, you were talking about the transparency of the Trump administration and naming who who's been deported to El Salvador, to those really intensely brutal prisons, and he too shares the interest in knowing who those people were, what their specific crimes were. I think at the end of the day, we can get in these kind of two sided political fights. Often what I hear when I talk to people are a basic sense of desperation that is shared across communities. Often resentment melts into empathy, and the longer a conversation goes on, the closer people wind up actually getting to some shared position. A desire for immigration reform. Right, Like many people acknowledge, it is very difficult to get into this country in a very clean cut legal way. We have not had meaningful immigration reform in decades.

And by the way, the last time there was meaningful immigration reform, which was under President Reagan, the answer to the people who were in the country illegally was to give them amnesty. That's what they did.

And by the way, the last time there was meaningful immigration reform, which was under President Reagan, the answer to the people who were in the country illegally was to give them amnesty. That's what they did.

There's a great debate between Bush and Reagan that I encourage you all to look up and watch, and you hear them both trying to one up each other on who is more welcoming to immigrants. And in fact, it's important to remember that in the nineteen nineties it was the Democrat Party that had a very similar message to Trump. The Clinton administration had a tough on criminal immigrants perspective and pass some of the strictest immigration laws that you all are probably now dealing with the consequences of Obama right got the nickname deporter in cheap. The Democratic headquarters here were taken over by immigrant rights activists. This, interestingly, isn't a part is an issue. The country has come in ebbs and flows.

There's a great debate between Bush and Reagan that I encourage you all to look up and watch, and you hear them both trying to one up each other on who is more welcoming to immigrants. And in fact, it's important to remember that in the nineteen nineties it was the Democrat Party that had a very similar message to Trump. The Clinton administration had a tough on criminal immigrants perspective and pass some of the strictest immigration laws that you all are probably now dealing with the consequences of Obama right got the nickname deporter in cheap. The Democratic headquarters here were taken over by immigrant rights activists. This, interestingly, isn't a part is an issue. The country has come in ebbs and flows.

The parties have yes, and I think President Trump was able to get probably a lot of Democrats and independents to go along with him on this issue, even if they may not have been with him on other things. Alison, finally to you on this, Yeah, I mean.

The parties have yes, and I think President Trump was able to get probably a lot of Democrats and independents to go along with him on this issue, even if they may not have been with him on other things. Alison, finally to you on this, Yeah, I mean.

I'm very sympathetic to people being concerned about the in migration.

I'm very sympathetic to people being concerned about the in migration.

In twenty twenty three and twenty twenty four.

In twenty twenty three and twenty twenty four.

Because it was completely chaotic. I mean, we have a Texas governor shipping people on us to Denver and they didn't even know what Denver was. I mean, and then they're showing up in December in the middle of the night outside of city Hall. They're showing up at Martha's vineyard, They're showing up at the outside of the Vice President's house in DC. I mean, it was pure chaos, and I think if you're just a regular person, you're like, what in the world is going on. I'm very sympathetic to people who just want to come for a better life. But it was the biggest in migration in the history of the United States. It was bigger than it was during Ellis Island, even in a per capita basis. So you see what the presidential what the issues were, and there were fears, and I don't think there has been enough transparency with either party.

Because it was completely chaotic. I mean, we have a Texas governor shipping people on us to Denver and they didn't even know what Denver was. I mean, and then they're showing up in December in the middle of the night outside of city Hall. They're showing up at Martha's vineyard, They're showing up at the outside of the Vice President's house in DC. I mean, it was pure chaos, and I think if you're just a regular person, you're like, what in the world is going on. I'm very sympathetic to people who just want to come for a better life. But it was the biggest in migration in the history of the United States. It was bigger than it was during Ellis Island, even in a per capita basis. So you see what the presidential what the issues were, and there were fears, and I don't think there has been enough transparency with either party.

About how to solve some of these issues.

About how to solve some of these issues.

That's just a personal opinion, but I will say there's going to be you know, if they are starting to do mass work site immigration enforcement actions where they go to a work which I've heard from sources in deep federal government circles that is coming. If HSI, which is Homeland Security Investigations, shows up at a workforce site and starts to just deport people or put people in GEO. If this starts to affect the economy, it seems like people are going to care. Like I just think it's a it's an economic thing, and I think for some reason Americans are really going to care if this really does start to shut down the economy. If you know, mari A Lago doesn't have any of workers or any workforce anymore, that's going to affect people. I'll also say that law enforcement, which is not a big group of fuzzy liberal people, generally, are concerned about this a little. They're starting to become concerned. If das have criminal cases against people, if there are people who are victims of crimes, if there are people who are witnesses of crimes and they can't come to court and or because they got deported already, or they can't come to court because they're fearful, it's going to screw up the local law enforcement system, both at the federal level and at the local level. And if that starts to happen regularly, and it's starting to happen, we're tracking it. We've got a whole database, we're tracking it. But if that starts happening on the regular you'll start seeing police chiefs, You'll start seeing Republican district attorneys stand up and say ICE can't interfere with us, like they need.

That's just a personal opinion, but I will say there's going to be you know, if they are starting to do mass work site immigration enforcement actions where they go to a work which I've heard from sources in deep federal government circles that is coming. If HSI, which is Homeland Security Investigations, shows up at a workforce site and starts to just deport people or put people in GEO. If this starts to affect the economy, it seems like people are going to care. Like I just think it's a it's an economic thing, and I think for some reason Americans are really going to care if this really does start to shut down the economy. If you know, mari A Lago doesn't have any of workers or any workforce anymore, that's going to affect people. I'll also say that law enforcement, which is not a big group of fuzzy liberal people, generally, are concerned about this a little. They're starting to become concerned. If das have criminal cases against people, if there are people who are victims of crimes, if there are people who are witnesses of crimes and they can't come to court and or because they got deported already, or they can't come to court because they're fearful, it's going to screw up the local law enforcement system, both at the federal level and at the local level. And if that starts to happen regularly, and it's starting to happen, we're tracking it. We've got a whole database, we're tracking it. But if that starts happening on the regular you'll start seeing police chiefs, You'll start seeing Republican district attorneys stand up and say ICE can't interfere with us, like they need.

To back off.

To back off.

In terms of the economic impact, we all got a taste of that during COVID nineteen when immigration was basically shut down in this country for a while, and you noticed it every time you went to I mean, if you could go to a restaurant after the restaurants reopened again, you did notice it every time you went to a restaurant. The amount of people in this country that are immigrants, and many of them undocumented, but play a very prominent role in our economy. Any members of our studio audience, if you could let us know your first name and where you live and ask your question.

In terms of the economic impact, we all got a taste of that during COVID nineteen when immigration was basically shut down in this country for a while, and you noticed it every time you went to I mean, if you could go to a restaurant after the restaurants reopened again, you did notice it every time you went to a restaurant. The amount of people in this country that are immigrants, and many of them undocumented, but play a very prominent role in our economy. Any members of our studio audience, if you could let us know your first name and where you live and ask your question.

Hey, guys, thank you so much for putting a spotlight on this issue. My name'sa Nick Kierson, an immigration lawyer, and I was wondering if the panel could speak to how the Lake and Riley Act is redefining criminal immigration in the United States. We've seen in Denver and Aurora our immigration judges begin to apply the Lake and Riley Act, and I was just hoping they pedal can speak to that.

Hey, guys, thank you so much for putting a spotlight on this issue. My name'sa Nick Kierson, an immigration lawyer, and I was wondering if the panel could speak to how the Lake and Riley Act is redefining criminal immigration in the United States. We've seen in Denver and Aurora our immigration judges begin to apply the Lake and Riley Act, and I was just hoping they pedal can speak to that.

Thank you.

Thank you.

When we talk about the Lincoln Riley Act, we're talking about just like the presumption that the crime was committed, and so somebody can be essentially arrested for the allegation that there was a crime. Now, if you are from now by now you should be a little bit familiar with immigration. But immigration is such a lottery system for folks like that's why they're the whole legal pathway to citizenship. There's all these arguments that just don't work because this immigration system just does not work that way. And so what's going to happen with people who allegedly commit crimes is they're going to end up being deported before they can even actually.

When we talk about the Lincoln Riley Act, we're talking about just like the presumption that the crime was committed, and so somebody can be essentially arrested for the allegation that there was a crime. Now, if you are from now by now you should be a little bit familiar with immigration. But immigration is such a lottery system for folks like that's why they're the whole legal pathway to citizenship. There's all these arguments that just don't work because this immigration system just does not work that way. And so what's going to happen with people who allegedly commit crimes is they're going to end up being deported before they can even actually.

Go through a trial.

Go through a trial.

So I think, if anything, it's really just going to magnify the problem that Allison is talking about, where we're going to have people who are not only committing crimes but witnesses, people who are victims. They are not even going to be around by the time that this stuff is getting sorted out because the system doesn't allow it to. So we're essentially going to be deporting people on the possibility that they broke a certain law, and that's insanity.

So I think, if anything, it's really just going to magnify the problem that Allison is talking about, where we're going to have people who are not only committing crimes but witnesses, people who are victims. They are not even going to be around by the time that this stuff is getting sorted out because the system doesn't allow it to. So we're essentially going to be deporting people on the possibility that they broke a certain law, and that's insanity.

Nicholas, let me just ask you a quick follow up question, since you're an immigration lawyer, do you think that the court system can handle what is going on right now or will be able to handle what is going on right now?

Nicholas, let me just ask you a quick follow up question, since you're an immigration lawyer, do you think that the court system can handle what is going on right now or will be able to handle what is going on right now?

Absolutely not. I think that I think that I haven't seen the statistic in the last week, but I've seen recent statistics. I know that GEO is way over capacity right now, and we're talking about shoving people into facilities that are not going to be able to hold that many people. And when we are beginning to arrest people off of allegations and presumptions, we are going to just force so many more people into that system.

Absolutely not. I think that I think that I haven't seen the statistic in the last week, but I've seen recent statistics. I know that GEO is way over capacity right now, and we're talking about shoving people into facilities that are not going to be able to hold that many people. And when we are beginning to arrest people off of allegations and presumptions, we are going to just force so many more people into that system.

I have no idea.

I have no idea.

Thank you, thank you.

Thank you, thank you.

Yes, my name is Kasha. I worked in the immigration space here and nationally from twenty sixteen to twenty twenty three, and I'm hearing a lot of things that give me deja vu. During this panel. I'm wondering for you up here, particularly Alison and Jordan, like what feels different this time around, with the exception of how we're seeing the federal government just kind of ignore Judge holds Well.

Yes, my name is Kasha. I worked in the immigration space here and nationally from twenty sixteen to twenty twenty three, and I'm hearing a lot of things that give me deja vu. During this panel. I'm wondering for you up here, particularly Alison and Jordan, like what feels different this time around, with the exception of how we're seeing the federal government just kind of ignore Judge holds Well.

I mean, I think there's a lot less transparency right now. I also think they're being more effective. I think there are actual raids at apartment buildings. I don't recall that in twenty seventeen, and I don't recall so much complete opacity on what's happening every single day.

I mean, I think there's a lot less transparency right now. I also think they're being more effective. I think there are actual raids at apartment buildings. I don't recall that in twenty seventeen, and I don't recall so much complete opacity on what's happening every single day.

You know, we can't get the names of people. We can't.

You know, we can't get the names of people. We can't.

They say, oh, we just supported sixty six.

They say, oh, we just supported sixty six.

Oh, we're targeting one hundred TDA members in Aurora. And I'm like, what, who are what are they? Who are they?

Oh, we're targeting one hundred TDA members in Aurora. And I'm like, what, who are what are they? Who are they?

Oh? Well, we actually arrested thirty and one was a TDA member. Okay, Well who are those thirty? Okay, Well, we can't tell you, you know. And it's like, there's just I was. I was very accustomed to the American criminal justice system, and you can get records, you can get a police report, you can go to the arraignment, you can get these things.

Oh? Well, we actually arrested thirty and one was a TDA member. Okay, Well who are those thirty? Okay, Well, we can't tell you, you know. And it's like, there's just I was. I was very accustomed to the American criminal justice system, and you can get records, you can get a police report, you can go to the arraignment, you can get these things.

Can't You can't get any of that here? And I think they are moving.

Can't You can't get any of that here? And I think they are moving.

People out in the shadows. It's like there's no communication. We don't get any information.

People out in the shadows. It's like there's no communication. We don't get any information.

Hello, my name is Paul. I'm a volunteer with an organization that works without risk youth. This young man I'm with is a second generation American, but he's a Mexican heritage. He's been advised to carry a passport or a driver's license, or a birth certificate and a photograph. Is that advice worth anything? Could he still be swept up even though he's got documentary.

Hello, my name is Paul. I'm a volunteer with an organization that works without risk youth. This young man I'm with is a second generation American, but he's a Mexican heritage. He's been advised to carry a passport or a driver's license, or a birth certificate and a photograph. Is that advice worth anything? Could he still be swept up even though he's got documentary.

They want to sweep him up. They're going to sleep him up.

They want to sweep him up. They're going to sleep him up.

So what we have heard is people are going to get swept up, whether they's told the ICE officer or whoever's arresting them that they have status. What is happening is people are getting picked up so that ICE can verify their status. And so what ends up happening is if you are pulled in and you don't have that is well, that's too late for you.

So what we have heard is people are going to get swept up, whether they's told the ICE officer or whoever's arresting them that they have status. What is happening is people are getting picked up so that ICE can verify their status. And so what ends up happening is if you are pulled in and you don't have that is well, that's too late for you.

There's nothing that they can do.

There's nothing that they can do.

So that's why this is so concerning that ICE agents just walk up to people and then just cuff them. That honestly, like I have a picture of my passport, I have my parents carry like pictures of their stuff. Ultimately, if ICE wants to detain them and put them in shackles, they're going to put them in shackles and they're going to wait until verification. And we've seen that over and over they're holding. What ICE is currently also doing is they're holding.

So that's why this is so concerning that ICE agents just walk up to people and then just cuff them. That honestly, like I have a picture of my passport, I have my parents carry like pictures of their stuff. Ultimately, if ICE wants to detain them and put them in shackles, they're going to put them in shackles and they're going to wait until verification. And we've seen that over and over they're holding. What ICE is currently also doing is they're holding.

People at ICE checkings.

People at ICE checkings.

So they're detaining people during their ICE checkings so that they can do like a deeper dive into their record or whatever that means to them, and so that it's good advice. But ultimately knowing their rights is going to be better. So you don't have to talk to ICE agents, you don't have to identify yourself with them, and you can ask them if they can have a great day and you can leave, and that's really what's going to keep us out of detention.

So they're detaining people during their ICE checkings so that they can do like a deeper dive into their record or whatever that means to them, and so that it's good advice. But ultimately knowing their rights is going to be better. So you don't have to talk to ICE agents, you don't have to identify yourself with them, and you can ask them if they can have a great day and you can leave, and that's really what's going to keep us out of detention.

Well, I want to thank everybody for joining us here and my guests Denveright reporter Kyle Harris, Colorado Public Radio Immigration and Justice supporter Alison Sherry, Casa de Pause executive director Andrea Looyer, and Jordan T. Garcia, program director for Colorado's for Immigrant Rights, which is part of a FSC American Friends Service Committee. Thank you all so much. Thank you for having us, and thanks to you for listening to one thing Trump did. It was produced by Harrison Fatina. Our next middle episode will be in your podcast feed later this week, where we'll be getting to the core of the Make America Healthy Again movement to ask whether or not the country is over medicated. And if you like this podcast, rate it. Wherever you get your podcast, tell your friends, and make sure you sign up for automatic downloads. Our theme music was composed by Noah Haidu. I'm Jeremy Hobson in Denver. I'll talk to you soon.

Well, I want to thank everybody for joining us here and my guests Denveright reporter Kyle Harris, Colorado Public Radio Immigration and Justice supporter Alison Sherry, Casa de Pause executive director Andrea Looyer, and Jordan T. Garcia, program director for Colorado's for Immigrant Rights, which is part of a FSC American Friends Service Committee. Thank you all so much. Thank you for having us, and thanks to you for listening to one thing Trump did. It was produced by Harrison Fatina. Our next middle episode will be in your podcast feed later this week, where we'll be getting to the core of the Make America Healthy Again movement to ask whether or not the country is over medicated. And if you like this podcast, rate it. Wherever you get your podcast, tell your friends, and make sure you sign up for automatic downloads. Our theme music was composed by Noah Haidu. I'm Jeremy Hobson in Denver. I'll talk to you soon.