Students and community members at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colorado, came together on November 7 for a Know Your Rights rally focused on immigration challenges and family protections. The event, organized by campus groups, sought to educate attendees on their legal rights amid rising concerns over federal policies and local enforcement actions.
Event Details and Purpose
The rally took place at Love Recital Hall on the CMU campus, drawing a mix of students, locals, and advocates. It started with a meet and greet from 3:30 to 3:50 p.m., followed by a speaker series until 5 p.m. Organizers aimed to build awareness about potential rights violations, especially in light of recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities in Mesa County. This gathering provided a platform for sharing personal stories and learning practical steps to stay safe.
Campus clubs like the Political Science Club, History Club, Anthropology Club, and Unity organization partnered with groups such as the Colorado ACLU and the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition. The free event encouraged registration in advance to ensure space for all interested parties. Attendees left with a stronger sense of community support during uncertain times.
Key Speakers Share Insights
Prominent figures addressed the crowd, offering guidance on navigating immigration issues. Michael Dougherty, Boulder County District Attorney and a candidate for Colorado Attorney General, spoke about broader community safety topics, including efforts to reduce gun violence while upholding Second Amendment rights. He also highlighted vital local concerns like water management and public lands on the Western Slope.
Mesa County District Attorney Dan Rubinstein and La Plaza de Palisade Director Iriana Medina Leo joined the discussion, focusing on immigrant family protections. Their talks emphasized how recent state laws, such as Senate Bill 25-276 signed in May, strengthen constitutional rights for all Coloradans, including immigrants. These speakers stressed the need for collaboration between law enforcement and communities to prevent unwarranted detentions.
One session delved into real world examples, like a June traffic stop in Mesa County that led to an ICE detention of a Utah student. This incident sparked calls for accountability from immigrant rights groups and underscored the rally’s timely message.
Student Voices and Anxieties
Students drove the event’s creation, motivated by their own fears about immigration policies. Alex Austin, President of the CMU Political Science Club, explained the initial goal was to unite student voices on family experiences and policy impacts. Many participants felt anxious about speaking out publicly against the current administration or local ICE operations.
The rally revealed deep concerns among young attendees, who worried about everything from family separations to daily interactions with authorities. Austin noted that while some shared stories privately with friends, the fear of microphones and public scrutiny highlighted a larger issue of suppressed voices. This event empowered them to discuss these topics openly in a supportive environment.
CMU’s international student population has faced added pressures, with national trends showing a drop in enrollments due to stricter visa rules. Faculty have expressed worries about how policy shifts affect campus safety and academic opportunities for immigrant students.
Broader Context and Recent Developments
This rally fits into a wave of similar events across Colorado amid heightened immigration debates. In July, advocates demanded probes into possible law enforcement violations of state laws barring information sharing with ICE without warrants. Such actions reflect ongoing tensions in areas like Mesa County, where local policies sometimes clash with federal enforcement.
| Key Recent Immigration Events in Colorado | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Senate Bill 25-276 Signed | May 2025 | Law clarifies limits on sharing personal info for immigration purposes without judicial warrant. |
| Mesa County Traffic Stop Detention | June 2025 | Local stop leads to ICE holding of a student, prompting rights group demands for review. |
| State Lawsuit Dismissal Request | October 2025 | Colorado asks court to drop Mesa County’s suit over immigration stop practices. |
| National Student Enrollment Drop | September 2025 | Universities report fewer international students due to policy changes. |
These developments show why events like the CMU rally matter now more than ever. They connect local stories to statewide efforts for fair treatment.
Resources and Next Steps for Attendees
The rally connected people with essential tools to protect themselves. Organizers shared contacts for legal aid through the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition and ACLU hotlines for immediate advice during ICE encounters.
- Do not open your door without a judicial warrant; officers must show it through a window or crack.
- Remain silent and ask for a lawyer if questioned; you have the right to do so.
- Record interactions if safe, but avoid physical resistance to prevent escalation.
- Seek support from campus resources like CMU’s Cultural Inclusion Council for ongoing guidance.
Attendees learned about family preparedness plans, including emergency contacts and document organization. Follow up events, such as virtual workshops in nearby areas, build on this momentum.
As immigration discussions continue to shape communities, events like this one at Colorado Mesa University remind us of the power in collective action. Share your thoughts in the comments below and spread the word to help others stay informed and protected.
