Latest From ICE on Enforcement Operations

Under President Trump’s enforcement priorities, every noncitizen that is deportable from the United States would seem to be a priority. The prioritization of everyone for deportation represents a change from previous priorities under the Obama administration and has led a climate of fear in immigrant communities.  In such a climate, the need for accurate information is greater than ever.  ICE’s Denver Field Office, in its communications with the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and other local bar associations, has provided information intended to dispel rumors, including the following:

• ICE says that there are no sweeps or immigration checkpoints in Colorado and that there are no current plans to implement them;
• ICE says that it does not make arrests at sensitive locations such as schools and churches;
• ICE says that each operation and arrest is for a “targeted” person;
• While previous enforcement priorities are gone, ICE still must weigh arrest against realities of lack of resources;
• Given its resources, Denver ICE considers its top priorities for targeted arrests to be aggravated felons, sex offenders, those with recent DUIs, and national security concerns;
• Those with final orders of deportation are being arrested but as of now they are not necessarily a top priority;
• ICE continues to grant stays of removal in appropriate cases;
• ICE has made targeted arrests at courthouses and will continue to do so where a targeted person has a significant criminal history;
• Other removable noncitizens encountered during a targeted arrest may also be arrested depending on the facts of the case and that other person’s immigration and criminal history. These are known as “collateral arrests.”

This information from ICE is subject to change. In the meantime, all people should know and understand their rights and know whether they might qualify to apply immigration status or relief from deportation. Knowing one’s rights and potential options prior to any interaction with immigration officials may give you peace of mind—or at least an educated understanding of what may or may not come to pass.  To set up a consultation to discuss your immigration situation with one of our immigration attorneys, call our office at 303-297-9171.