The English classes at the refugee center in Evans, Colorado, are very well attended – by adult students, including from Peru, Mexico and Nicaragua, writes ARD. The center's director, Araceli Calderon, says that since the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, interest in language courses has increased even more – people come in the hope of increasing their chances of obtaining citizenship or at least the right to stay.
The number of migrants is similar, the approach is different
According to data from the Trump administration, more than 33,000 illegal migrants were caught by March 2025. This is not a significant increase compared to the first months of the mandates of Trump's predecessors - Joe Biden and Barack Obama, ARD points out. But Trump has shocked many with his tough approach: for example, with the arrests of students who protested against Israel, or with the deportations of more than 200 suspected gang members to El Salvador.
Mitzi Moran, who heads the health department at the refugee center in Northern Colorado, told the German public-law media that the deportation flights in particular have caused great fear and uncertainty among migrants with a right to stay or citizenship. “They ask themselves: Will I be next? Is it because of my name, the color of my skin or because I have a tattoo?“.
The refugee center in Evans has recently increased security measures - due to the heated debate surrounding migrants and refugees. “We worry that people who are against immigrants will show up here and do something we don't want”, explains Moran.
More and more people are coming for advice
Immigration lawyer Hans Meyer from the nearby city of Denver meets with worried immigrants every day. Since Trump has been in power, more and more people have come to him for advice, the lawyer told ARD. However, few decide to defend themselves legally - for fear of attracting attention, including from the government.
Meyer talks about the darkest times in the United States that he has ever experienced. “I think we will see how political opponents will be targeted - that is, critics of the Trump administration, lawyers like me and others who advocate for immigrants. And we will become a target“, predicts Meyer.
What the Constitution provides
However, the lawyer also says that not everyone in Denver is enthusiastic about the growing number of migrants. In 2023 and 2024, under President Biden, more than 40,000 migrants came to the city with a population of 720,000. They were accommodated in temporary housing, and Denver is stretched to the limit of its financial capabilities.
The city and the state of Colorado are governed by Democrats, who are considered more favorable to migrants. Because of this, the mayor of Denver, along with other Democratic mayors, had to justify themselves before a congressional committee. Trump threatens to cut funding to states like Colorado.
Mayer told ARD that he knows people who are not well-disposed towards migrants, which is their natural and legitimate position. “But we have to stick to constitutional democracy. That means people have the right to a trial.“
Hiding to avoid deportation
The lawyer assumes that many migrants in Denver will also try to hide from deportations. This became clear a few weeks ago, when Border Patrol actions were held in the city. People are afraid to go to work, students are not attending school.
It is also visible in one of the city's elementary schools, ARD reports. Nearly 70% of the 400 students there are migrants, most of whom arrived in the last two years with their parents. How many of them are undocumented? Principal Janet Estada doesn't know exactly, but she assumes that they are the majority.
The principal told the German public-law media that in February, as part of a Border Service operation, students were not allowed on school buses and in classrooms. As a result, instead of thirty children per class, there were only 7-8 students.
In the meantime, Estada points out, the number of students has returned to normal, but everyone is filled with concerns. “The children talk about their fears - especially because the fathers or mothers of some of them have already been deported.“ The children were quiet and withdrawn, and the school provided them with psychological support.
Reactions of solidarity
The principal tried, along with other colleagues from Denver, to keep border agents out of the schools by filing a complaint. However, the complaint was rejected. Estada still says: “If they have a search warrant, we let them in – otherwise, we don“.
Cases like this have sparked a wave of solidarity in Denver, ARD reports. This time, there's a difference compared to Trump's first term - the public is more prepared. Human rights activist Raquel Lane-Arellano says: “There's a lot of positive energy from a lot of people who are willing to stand up for each other. It's wonderful”.
Author: Nina Bart ARD