DENVER -- Faith organizations joined a prayer vigil led by a coalition of immigrants' rights supporters on Thursday, outside the office of Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., in downtown Denver.

Laura Peniche, hotline manager for the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, said she has been waiting for comprehensive immigration reform for over 20 years. She wants Hickenlooper to make sure a path to citizenship remains intact inside a $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill making its way through Congress.

"I think it's a great opportunity for our leaders to come together and provide relief for the millions of families in this country who are waiting to come out of the shadows and contribute fully to our country," Peniche contended.

This week the U.S. Senate, along strict party lines, approved a budget resolution to increase funding for health care, child and elder care, education, and mitigating climate change.

It also includes funding to create a pathway to citizenship for millions of young immigrants, people with Temporary Protected Status, farm and other essential workers. Republicans unanimously opposed the move, calling it a reckless tax and spending spree that could damage the economy.

An estimated five million undocumented immigrants are considered to be essential workers, including over 400,000 doctors, nurses and home-health aides.

Peniche argued giving immigrants, who put themselves and their families at great risk during the pandemic, a meaningful way to become U.S. citizens will ensure they can get health benefits and other protections they urgently need.

"A majority of American people want to see a humane immigration system that works for everyone," Peniche asserted. "We are just like you, human beings who are children of God, who deserve dignity and respect."

The vigil in Denver capped a national week of action meant to draw attention to the need for immigration reform.

Representatives from the offices of Hickenlooper and Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., were in attendance, along with Rep. Jason Crow, D-Aurora, and Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Boulder.

President Donald Trump's sweeping mass deportation plan has been scrutinized over the treatment of undocumented immigrants. One criticism has focused on the denial of their due process.

Eliut Ramirez, event coordinator, Indianapolis immigration law firm Gresk & Singleton and Giancarlo said immigrant rights are not acknowledged. The concerns he hears from the Latino community include not knowing what to expect with the nation's new immigration policies. He works to get the word out about the rights immigrants do have.

"Well, some people, unfortunately, don't know that they have certain rights, and a lot of people are afraid that ICE or the police are going to show up to their homes and take their family away if they are undocumented. We're also hearing a lot of people getting pulled over for traffic violations - they have a taillight out, or even if they look suspicious," he explained.

Ramirez said police are eyeing Latino motorists more closely and stop them to ask if they are documented. And he is hearing these incidents are increasing. The Census Bureau reports that Marion County is home to 14% of the state's Latino population.

Giancarlo Sucre. ice president of business development for the International District Community Center, said the facility offers resources and support while fostering collaboration and learning to drive positive change and prosperity on Indianapolis' westside. The center recently hosted an information and immigration rights fair. Sucre wants the public to understand that Latinos should not be grouped into one category.


"And it's a lot of mixed households," he explained. "That's one of the things that sometimes people don't think about. It's not an abstract - there's a lot of undocumented with documented in the same household. So it has a lot of effects on the community as a whole that's been there for many years, not just people recently. It tears families apart - part of them here, part of them there."

Sucre said he is not aware of any instances where ICE has appeared in Indianapolis' predominantly Latino neighborhoods.

As the Trump administration's deportation efforts continue, more people find themselves in immigration court.

Immigration law is complicated, and most immigrants who navigate the court system do so by themselves.

Kelly Garcia, a reporter for Injustice Watch who covers immigration courts in Chicago, said the lack of legal representation and language barriers add to the complexity. Garcia noted almost no one she has encountered in the Chicago court speaks English, yet all the signs and case sheets are in English. Many show up late or miss their hearings because of it.

"If you miss your court hearing, the judge can order your removal," Garcia pointed out. "These barriers have very serious consequences for people - and it's very sad, honestly. It's very sad to witness that."

Garcia noted it is a misconception most immigrants speak Spanish. She has heard many other languages, from Arabic to Creole to Mandarin and said most people do not know they need to request a court interpreter in advance of their hearing or risk having their case delayed. Those who show up late or not at all could be immediately removed from the country.

Research shows those with legal representation fare better in court. But people in immigration court do not have the right to an attorney if they cannot afford one. The burden of proof, to show they were charged incorrectly or request temporary relief through asylum, falls on them.

Groups like the National Immigrant Justice Center and Legal Aid Chicago are on-site to help address some gaps. As the daughter of an immigrant, Garcia emphasized she can relate to the range of emotions she sees in court.

"It just feels very personal to me, because I know how it impacted my mom," Garcia recounted. "I know how hard and difficult that was for her and I also recognize that it's only gotten harder for a lot of people, especially for people who have migrated [from] very dangerous conditions, here."

Garcia added she has seen many people come to the U.S. for reasons beyond their control. She said her time covering the immigration court has prompted her to work on creating an "explainer" story to help answer the many questions she hears from defendants every day.

Following President Donald Trump's executive order lifting Immigration and Customs Enforcement restrictions in protected areas, the American Federation of Teachers is offering guidance to colleges and universities, in Michigan and nationwide.

The AFT, National Immigration Law Center, and Presidents' Alliance teamed up to release a guide to help colleges handle ICE encounters - including establishing school protocols and understanding constitutional rights.

Eric Rader, AFT president at Henry Ford College in Dearborn, said the school provides support for its large Arab and Muslim student population affected by current events.

"All of our students at Henry Ford are eligible for free counseling in our counseling department," said Rader. "We also have a lot of affinity groups, student groups, that are a great place for students of Arab or Muslim descent to talk to other students."

Rader said the college also offers specialized support for international staff members.

Immigration law states that ICE can enter public areas of campus without a warrant, but an authorized official must approve access to non-public areas.

The guide instructs students and staff to notify the president or chancellor if law enforcement requests campus access or student records - or if officers are seen on or near campus questioning students.

Rader stressed that Henry Ford is committed to reassuring students and ensuring their safety.

"We've reminded everyone that federal laws like the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act prohibits us from divulging information about the identities of our students to outside parties," said Rader. "And while we may have to comply with law enforcement if there are court orders, we and our students have legal rights that must be protected."

Students and staff are also advised to document any ICE encounters with photos, videos, notes, and agent details.