![PROMO HIRES Miscellaneous - Migrants Refugees Border Immigration - iStock - Naeblys Silhouetted line of people at a fence topped with razor wire at sunrise or sunset.](/sites/default/files/styles/article_sm/public/2024-11/PROMO%20HIRES%20Miscellaneous%20-%20Migrants%20Refugees%20Border%20Immigration%20-%20iStock%20-%20Naeblys.jpg.webp?itok=e9KFnsRs)
Rapid response network monitoring ICE raids in Colorado
Click play to listen to this article.
As President Donald Trump ramps up deportation efforts, immigrant advocates have mobilized a rapid response network to protect their neighbors.
The League of Women Voters has called Trump's first 17 days in office a weaponization of government against Americans, including "the terrorizing of the immigrant community."
Beth Hendrix, executive director of the League's Colorado chapter, said recent raids have raised red flags about the legality of actions taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
![PROMO HIRES Miscellaneous - I-589 Application for Asylum Migrant Immigration - iStock - Eblis Closeup of the corner of a United States Government I-589 immigration form with a United States flag in the background.](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/2024-11/PROMO%20HIRES%20Miscellaneous%20-%20I-589%20Application%20for%20Asylum%20Migrant%20Immigration%20-%20iStock%20-%20Eblis.jpg.webp?itok=F4CWSRyY)
"The League is concerned because the raids didn't seem to focus only on those with criminal or violent histories," said Hendrix. "It looked more like agents were knocking on random doors."
Trump campaigned on claims, without evidence, that other nations were releasing violent criminals into the U.S - and promised mass deportations.
Numerous studies have shown that native-born Americans are far more likely to commit crimes than immigrants.
Most of the 50 people detained in a recent Denver raid have no criminal charges pending, according to the Colorado Rapid Response Network - and at least two people detained are U.S. citizens.
The League is joining other nonprofits to educate residents about their fundamental rights, which apply to everyone living in the U.S. - regardless of their immigration status.
If ICE comes to your home, Hendrix noted you are not required to open the door unless there is an arrest or search warrant from a federal court.
And you can ask agents to see the warrant by sliding it under the door.
"It must be signed by a judge to be valid," said Hendrix. "If they choose to open the door, it's up to them to decide if they want to speak or not. They have every right to not open the door, and not speak."
Warrants are only valid if they include the name of the person agents are looking for, and if that person lives at that address.
Anyone witnessing ICE activity is encouraged to call the network's toll free hotline: (844) 864-8341.
Hendrix said mass deportation will not fix the nation's immigration system, which has not been updated since 1986.
"The League of Women Voters supports immigration reform," said Hendrix. "But until that happens, we support provisions to allow people who are already living in this country to earn legal status."