Colorado families fight rising costs, fear immigration crackdowns

The scent of simmering chorizo and the persistent hum of a busy restaurant – that’s the reality for many small business owners like Camelia Robles in Denver, but the aroma is increasingly overshadowed by the bitter taste of rising costs and mounting anxieties.

A struggle beneath the surface

For over a decade, Robles’ Coco Pirata has been a fixture in the community, a vibrant spot serving up authentic Mexican fare. But the cheerful atmosphere is now strained. Customers are pulling back, and the bottom line is taking a serious hit. ‘If we don’t have the cash flow coming in, it’s hard to keep employees or maintain the same hiring process we had in prior years,’ Robles explained, a weariness etched on her face. Revenue is down 20%, and a significant 15% of her staff has been forced to shoulder reduced hours.

Beyond the menu: a broader crisis

The challenges aren’t confined to Robles’ restaurant. Across Colorado, Latino families – who contribute over $40 billion to the state’s Economy annually, according to UnidosUS – are grappling with affordability. More than half are struggling to meet basic needs, a situation exacerbated by fears surrounding immigration enforcement.

Businesses feel the pressure

Maria Gonzalez, with Adelante Community Development, witnesses the strain firsthand. ‘We’ve had businesses, especially in Commerce City, where immigration enforcement was present outside their buildings,’ she stated. ‘It’s chilling. It’s impacting their ability to operate and attract both staff and customers.’ Adelante, already struggling after losing a vital $6 million federal grant, is finding it increasingly difficult to offer the support these businesses desperately need.

A call for engagement

The conversation, spearheaded by UnidosUS, focused on translating these concerns into tangible policy. Former U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar urged community members to become actively involved. ‘People need to get engaged, get informed and take action,’ Salazar asserted. ‘That action could show up at the ballot box this November and in 2028.’ He stressed the need for proactive participation, a stark contrast to the passive acceptance of these escalating challenges.

Turning concern into action

The situation demands more than just sympathy; it requires a concerted effort. The lack of funding for nonprofits and support for small businesses paints a grim picture for Colorado communities. It’s not merely a statistical anomaly; it’s a lived experience for countless families and entrepreneurs. And as Robles succinctly put it, ‘We’ve been trying to do that for so long, but at some point, our community has to survive, pay rent, pay bills and keep going.’