Guest Columnist – Fear should not be a barrier to accessing healthcare

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COLORADO MUST PASS SB25-276

By Gabriela Rodríguez and Whitney L. Duncan, PhD

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In Colorado, many immigrant families face a reality that defies the imagination of those who have not lived under the constant threat of the immigration system. Stories like that of a grandmother who is too afraid to visit her gravely ill grandson in the hospital for fear of being detained are far more common than people think. They are not exceptions; they are the norm in many communities.

The visibility of immigration enforcement and a widespread climate of intimidation have a paralyzing effect. This fear prevents immigrants from accessing basic health, education, and justice services. This phenomenon, known as the “chilling effect,” has been widely documented by me (Whitney) as a medical anthropologist and professor researching immigrant health in northern Colorado.

Many people delay or completely avoid preventive medical care, even when suffering from chronic conditions or urgent symptoms. The fear of being identified at clinics or hospitals—or of having personal information shared with immigration authorities—has devastating consequences. Meanwhile, I (Gabriela), as a community navigator in Denver and a migrant myself, have witnessed the impact of these policies on my neighbors and clients.

Fear should not be a barrier to accessing healthcare

One of them, a father who became seriously ill, avoided going to the doctor for fear his information would be used against him. He lost his job and could not pay the rent. His family, with two small children, became homeless. This situation could have been avoided if access to health care wasn’t conditioned by fear. Another distressing case was that of a mother driving her children to school when they saw ICE agents near a church.

Her 13-year-old son, terrified, warned her. In a panic, she nearly crashed. Since then, the family barely leaves home. The children no longer want to attend school. The presence of unmarked police units and SWAT vehicles in communities of color only reinforces the perception that local police act in coordination with immigration authorities.

As a result, many people no longer call the police—even as victims or witnesses of crimes. These stories reflect a systemic reality. Public trust in institutions is deteriorating, while community cohesion weakens. This climate contradicts the values of inclusion and dignity that Colorado has historically upheld. That’s why it is urgent to pass Senate Bill SB 25-276.

Fear should not be a barrier to accessing healthcare

This bill includes concrete measures to protect individual privacy, limit public agencies’ collaboration with ICE, and ensure that no one must choose between health or safety and staying with their family. Colorado must reaffirm its commitment to building a safe and free community for everyone, regardless of immigration status. Senate Bill SB 25-276 is an urgent step toward that shared vision.

We call on the legislature and Governor Jared Polis to pass this law. Because living without fear should not be a privilege. It should be a right for everyone.

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