UPDATE: Compañeros: Four Corners Immigrant Resource Center warns of a significant surge in federal immigration enforcement in Durango, Colorado. Reports from the nonprofit indicate that community members have observed increased targeting of immigrants, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents allegedly focusing on local construction sites and food businesses.
In the past few weeks, community anxiety has risen sharply as volunteers from the Colorado Rapid Response Network report harassment while documenting enforcement activities. Compañeros is urgently calling for enhanced support from elected officials and demands greater transparency from the city’s recently established immigration task force.
Enrique Orozco-Perez, co-executive director of Compañeros, stated, “Employers are telling us that ICE is targeting their sites and going after people with no criminal records – good, hardworking people who have been here for a long time.” He emphasized the pervasive presence of ICE, noting that such enforcement could disrupt the local economy by affecting tourism and essential services.
Compañeros has revealed that some employers have been advised by immigration agents to refrain from hiring workers from Mexico, urging them to prioritize U.S. citizens instead. This has raised alarms about the economic ramifications for businesses that rely on immigrant labor.
The organization also expressed serious concerns over what it describes as intimidation tactics used against volunteer “confirmers,” who monitor immigration actions. Reports indicate these volunteers have faced questioning at their workplaces by immigration officers.
Orozco-Perez warns, “The more ICE disrupts life in this town, the more that will disrupt the rest of the economy.” He stressed that the ongoing enforcement could lead to a loss of workers crucial for daily operations, including those who clean hotel rooms, prepare food, and maintain landscaping.
The recent statements from Compañeros serve as an urgent “call to action,” aiming to remind local officials of the significant impact federal immigration enforcement has on the Durango community. The organization is advocating for clearly defined protections for residents, volunteers, and advocates involved in lawful activities, particularly those within the immigrant community.
Compañeros is also pushing the Durango City Council to publicly clarify its policies regarding interactions between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents. They demand protection for confirmers who document ICE activities and a commitment to transparency regarding the immigration task force’s operations and member selection.
Concerns about the lack of transparency and community involvement in the task force’s formation were highlighted, particularly as a proposal submitted in November remains under review with no updates. Orozco-Perez expressed frustration at being excluded from the process despite Compañeros’ role as a key stakeholder in the community.
The escalating enforcement actions have sparked widespread fear and uncertainty within the immigrant population in Durango. Compañeros urges residents to stay informed and support each other as they navigate these challenging circumstances.
For ongoing updates, the community is encouraged to monitor local news and follow developments from Compañeros. The organization remains committed to advocating for immigrant rights and supporting those affected by these enforcement activities.
