Rally in support of immigrants’ rights
by: Carolynn Felling
Posted: Feb 8, 2025 / 09:13 PM MST
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(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Protesters across Colorado Springs gathered outside of City Hall on Saturday, Feb. 8, to show support for immigrants’ rights. It was one of many events happening around the country as protests against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and mass deportations continue.
“We’re here to stand up for people’s rights regardless of their immigration status. Everybody deserves dignity and respect,” said Naida, a membr of Colorado Rights Coalition.
A large crowd gathered in downtown Colorado Springs to march for immigrants’ rights.
“I was undocumented when I came, this issue is really personal to me and my family. The majority of my family, you know, is at risk of deportation, and it is important to me that I stand out here,” said Naida.
The group began the rally outside of City Hall hoping to gain city leaders’ attention, holding posters, saying prayers, and chanting for their community. This event is just one of many happening across the country as ICE continues operations in major cities.
“I did have a client who was detained illegally this week. He’s here in legal status, but he is Mexican, so I assume that’s why they detained him, but yes, my office has received dozens and dozens of calls,” said Stephanie Izaguirre an immigration lawyer in Colorado Springs.
Izaguirre recomends that knowing what your rights are is key if you are not doccumented.
“I’ve actually heard that despite all the hype and all the operations, very few people have actually been deported, that it’s been more of an effort to cause fear than it has been a highly effective way to deport people,” she said.
Colorado Raid Response organized the event with many of them sharing words of encouragement. As the group made their way around downtown, some people driving by showed their support.
“I would say, think about your family members, think about them coming to your door and taking your mother, your father, [or] your children. What would that feel like?” said Brenda Spector, a protestor at the rally. “Because again, like people have been saying here, today it is us, tomorrow it’s going to be someone else. It can be you, so we need to be united,”
The rally comes as President Donald Trump continues to announce a range of policies against undocumented immigrants.
“I encourage my white friends, my white male friends, my white women friends; check your privilege and stand up. Learn who your neighbors are, stand up for them, and help each other out. We need you now more than ever,” said Spector.
Rapid Response has a hotline for anyone effected, for more information click here.