Informational pamphlets were distributed at a “Know Your Rights” event regarding immigration in the Koelbel Building on Nov. 6, 2025. (Sagan Randall/CU Independent)
On Thursday, University of Colorado Boulder student government members held a “Know Your Rights” immigration clinic for students in the Koelbel building.
The event featured a presentation from Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty, a panel discussion and questions from attendees, all in order to connect students and their families with resources.
Student Affairs Tri-Executive Gianna Guido said she had the idea for the clinic after multiple of her political science professors told her that they were getting an increasing number of immigration questions from students.
Meanwhile, Dougherty’s office has been ramping up its “Know Your Rights” training across the state since January, when President Donald Trump’s new administration took over, bringing with it a sweeping increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests and detainments.
“What we need more than ever right now is for people to know what their protections and rights are under the law, ” he said. “We need people who are going to hold ICE responsible when they violate those things.”
In his presentation, Dougherty discussed many of the legal rights people have in Boulder, as well as in Colorado as a whole, highlighting the state’s extensive protections when it comes to immigration.
“Colorado has more protections than many other states,” he said. “They may not feel that way, because what’s happening at the federal level is absolutely terrifying.”
Dougherty stressed the role of courthouses as a protected space in Colorado. He explained that ICE cannot arrest people for immigration detainers inside or in the immediate area of a courthouse.
In Boulder, Dougherty said his office has tried to implement policies that don’t discourage individuals from reporting crimes out of fear of immigration consequences.
“We have nine law enforcement agencies here in Boulder County. They all agree with the DA’s office position, with my position,” he said. “No one should ever be asked their status, whether in the country legally or not, and if we learn it, we should never report it to the federal government.”
That practice is now also Colorado state law. Senate Bill 276, passed during the 2025 legislative session, also enshrined non-public areas in schools, childcare centers, healthcare facilities and even public libraries as spaces in which ICE must present a judicial warrant to enter.
“ICE cannot make arrests in or around those locations under the law in Colorado,” Dougherty said.
Senate Bill 276 also prohibits any public institution, including CU Boulder, from sharing personal information or immigration status with federal authorities without said warrant.
When it comes to interactions with ICE, Dougherty advised attendees to film, but not to interfere. He also encouraged people to call the police if they believe ICE is making an unlawful arrest.
The CU Police Department encourages students to call them if they see ICE activity on campus, and they can make sure that officials on campus are acting in compliance with all laws, according to Dougherty.
Finally, he stressed people’s right to remain silent and that they may always choose not to answer questions.
In the events panel discussion, Violeta Chapin, a CU law professor with a speciality in immigration law, and Erika Blum, the director of constituent services for Congressman Joe Neguse, joined the DA and echoed many of his sentiments.
“We have a not insignificant number of undocumented students who are enrolled here at CU Boulder, and they are my heart and soul. I love them so much,” said Chapin. “We also have a not-insignificant number of immigrant staff that work here at CU, they’re primarily custodians and dining services workers, and they’re awesome.”
Chapin, who works closely with many undocumented and immigrant community members, says she sees an increased concern in the students she speaks with.
“I think sort of identifying yourself as someone who is safe and might know something is really wonderful for the community as a whole,” she said.
When it comes to CU’s campus, Chapin stressed that university staff are trained on how to respond to immigration data requests, as well as any other personal information regarding students.
“CU has just stepped it up so well on behalf of our undocumented students, our international students and our non-citizen staff,” she said. “I’ve been really happy with CU’s response.”
Chapin gave two crucial examples: CU’s DACA Renewal Support, which can help undocumented students with the hefty fee, as well as the Immigration Clinic at Colorado Law School, which Chapin oversees. The clinic provides legal support for non-citizen clients, with free consultations available.
All panel members stressed the importance of immigrant preparedness kits, available through Boulder County, which help families plan for the potential detention or deportation of themselves or a family member.
Looking forward, Guido is working with other CUSG members to put together a task force addressing the different areas of need for undocumented students.
“We’re going to be looking at what policies need to change on campus,” she said.
Reilly Jackson, the director of legal affairs for CUSG, co-hosted the event.
“I think it’s not only our responsibility, but our duty in student government to make sure that we’re protecting students on campus as diligently as possible,” Jackson said.
Contact CU Independent Editor-In-Chief Greta Kerkhoff at greta.kerkhoff@colorado.edu
