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Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition > Our Work > Know Your Rights

Know Your Rights

Every person, regardless of their immigration status, has rights. Understanding these rights is the first step in protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your community. Whether you’re at home, at work, or in public, knowing what to do in critical moments can make all the difference.

In today’s climate, immigrants are often targeted with fear tactics and misinformation. Equipping yourself with the facts not only helps you navigate potentially harmful encounters but also builds resilience within your family and strengthens the broader community.

Knowledge is Power

When you know your rights, you are empowered to:

  • Safeguard your home and workplace
  • Advocate for your family’s well-being
  • Hold systems accountable

Prepare yourself today!

Start by exploring the resources on this page. Download guides, prepare your family with essential tools, and share this information widely. Together, we can build a stronger, safer community for all.

Jump to:

Family Preparedness Packets 
Colorado-Specific Protections 
Get Involved!

Family Preparedness Packets: Plan Ahead to Protect Your Loved Ones

Emergencies can happen unexpectedly, and being prepared is the best way to protect your family. Whether you’re facing an ICE encounter or another urgent situation, having a clear plan in place ensures your loved ones are cared for and essential needs are met. A Family Preparedness Packet can help you take proactive steps to safeguard your family’s future.

Family Preparedness Packets

Emergency Contact List:

  • Keep a record of trusted family members, friends, attorneys, and community organizations who can provide support.

Powers of Attorney for Childcare and Finances:

  • Assign a trusted individual to make decisions about your child’s care and manage your finances if you are unavailable.
  • Templates and guidance for completing these forms are included.

Instructions for Accessing Important Documents:

  • Compile and safely store copies of key documents such as:
    • Birth certificates
    • Passports
    • “A” number or immigration paperwork
    • Medical records
    • Lease agreements or mortgage documents
  • Provide instructions for trusted family members or friends on how to access these documents.

To help you get started, we’ve created an easy-to-follow guide and video tutorial. These resources explain how to complete each section of the packet and offer tips for securely storing and sharing the information with trusted individuals.

Share Your Plan: Make sure to discuss your packet with family members or trusted friends and ensure they know how to access it in case of an emergency.

Colorado-Specific Protections

Colorado has some of the strongest protections for immigrant rights in the nation, ensuring that families are kept together and communities are safer. Here are key protections and laws that every Coloradan should know:

Prohibitions on ICE Activity Around Courthouses:

  • ICE cannot make arrests in or around courthouses or when someone is on their way to or from court.
  • Probation officers are prohibited from sharing information with ICE.

Protections for Individuals in Jail Custody:

  • You must be informed of your right to refuse an interview with ICE while in jail.
  • If you post bond for someone who is then deported, you are entitled to a full refund.

Anti-Extortion and Coercion Protections:

  • It is illegal to threaten to report someone’s immigration status to force them to pay money, do something illegal, or prevent them from reporting a crime.

Limits on Collaboration with ICE:

  • Police departments cannot hold someone for ICE beyond their scheduled release date and police cannot arrest someone based solely on their immigration status.
  • IGSA contracts (allowing local jails to rent beds to ICE for detention) are prohibited.

Protection of Personal Information:

  • State agencies cannot share personal identifying information with ICE unless ICE provides a warrant or subpoena.
  • Third-party entities can only access state databases if they sign an agreement not to share information with ICE.
  • State agencies can only collect immigration status when required by state or federal law.

Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Residents:

  • Colorado provides the ability for ALL residents, regardless of their immigration status, to obtain a driver’s license.

Colorado’s protections are designed to support families, promote safety, and uphold the rights of all residents. Together, we can ensure these rights are respected and preserved. If you or someone you know has experienced violations of these protections, please contact the Attorney General’s office.

Report ICE Activity: Colorado Rapid Response Network Hotline

If you witness ICE activity or experience an interaction with ICE, the Colorado Rapid Response Network (CRRN) is here to help. This community-driven system connects you with trained volunteers and legal resources to protect your rights and document critical information.

  • Call: 1-844-864-8341
  • Dial 1 to speak with a dispatcher immediately.
  • What to Expect:
    • The dispatcher will ask for detailed information about the location and situation.
    • Trained volunteers will be sent to the scene to:
      • Record the event.
      • Identify participating ICE agents.
      • Remind those involved of their constitutional rights.
  • After the Incident:
    • Volunteers will follow up to connect you with a local member of CIRC’s statewide DocuTeam.
    • The DocuTeam will help you document the event and refer you to trusted legal resources if necessary.
  • Call: 1-844-864-8341
  • Dial 2 to leave a message.
    • Provide your phone number and the name of your town.
  • Follow-Up:
    • A local DocuTeam member will reach out within 3-4 business days to work with you on documenting the incident.
  • Monitor ICE Activity: Reports help detect patterns of collaboration between ICE and local law enforcement.
  • Strengthen Advocacy: Testimonies from directly impacted individuals shape legislative efforts, such as Colorado’s successful repeal of the “show me your papers” law in 2013.
  • Empower Communities: Build a statewide network to resist deportations and protect families.
  • You witness ICE activity in your community.
  • You are unsure if ICE is operating in your area and want confirmation.
  • You or someone you know has had a past interaction with ICE that needs documentation.

Together, we can monitor, document, and challenge unjust immigration enforcement while ensuring the safety and rights of everyone in our communities.

👉 Save the Hotline Number: 1-844-864-8341

Get Involved!

When systems fail us or intentionally try to harm us, we step up to keep each other safe. By coming together, sharing resources, participating in trainings, and taking collective action, we can build stronger, more resilient communities that stand against injustice and create a more welcoming environment for everyone. Join us in this important work and be part of a movement dedicated to protecting and uplifting our shared humanity.

  • Become a Member: Join a local organization or form your own collective group to become a member of our coalition!
  • Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to support advocacy efforts, workshops, or rapid response networks.
  • Sign Up for Updates: Stay connected with the latest resources, events, and advocacy opportunities by subscribing to our updates.
  • Attend a Training: Join upcoming workshops or webinars on Know Your Rights.
  • Host a Training: Join our train-the-trainer workshops to deepen your understanding, empower your community, and learn how to host your own training.
  • Support the CORRN Hotline: Sign up for trainings for the Colorado Rapid Response Network (CORRN) and join our volunteer network.
  • Spread the Word: Share these resources with your family, friends, and community to ensure more people are prepared and informed.

Your involvement is essential to building a more inclusive Colorado and nation where the dignity of all people is respected!

 

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