Hundreds of Singers Protest ICE at Colorado State Capitol

Choirs from across the state join in "singing resistance" against immigration enforcement actions.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 2:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Hundreds of singers from multiple choirs across Colorado gathered at the steps of the State Capitol in Denver to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Trump administration's immigration policies. The "singing resistance" event was modeled after similar protests in Minneapolis, where recent killings by ICE and Customs and Border Protection agents have sparked widespread demonstrations.

Why it matters

The Colorado protests are part of a nationwide wave of demonstrations, strikes, and school walkouts against ICE and the federal government's immigration enforcement actions. The singing protest at the State Capitol aims to show solidarity with affected communities and provide a therapeutic outlet for those impacted by discriminatory policies.

The details

The protest choir included members from Colorado GALA Choruses, No Enemies, First Baptist Church of Denver, and community choirs from across the region. Many of the songs sung were originally Black spiritual songs that were sung by slaves, as well as songs sung by labor unions and the farm workers' movement. The organizers say the event is not only an act of solidarity, but also "therapeutic" for participants and listeners.

  • The protests in Colorado were ongoing or planned for later on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
  • The singing protest at the State Capitol took place on the steps of the building.

The players

Harmony: A Colorado Chorale

A statement from this group described the event as a "living chorus" that "carries grief, resolve, and hope in equal measure."

Emily Laugher

A member of the protest choir No Enemies, she says the songs sung are meant to show solidarity and provide a therapeutic outlet.

Kristi Noem

The Department of Homeland Security Secretary, who has walked back some of her initial statements about recent immigration enforcement incidents.

Tom Homan

The Border Czar who has taken over immigration operations in Minnesota after a CBP commander was relieved of his command.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What began only days ago as a small group of GALA choruses planning to sing together has quickly swelled into something far larger. Ensembles from across Colorado have stepped forward, transforming a simple idea into a mass choral action rooted in unity, witness, and shared humanity.”

— Harmony: A Colorado Chorale (cbsnews.com)

“This group are the Gala Choirs of Denver, the queer choirs of Denver, and they're singing to show our nation their solidarity with people in Minneapolis right now and with people all over our country who are discriminated against who can't raise their own voices. Hopefully, this is therapeutic for people who can hear us.”

— Emily Laugher, Member, No Enemies protest choir (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Protests against ICE and immigration enforcement are expected to continue across Colorado throughout the weekend, with events planned in Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver, Grand Junction, and other cities.

The takeaway

The singing protest at the Colorado State Capitol is part of a broader nationwide movement against the Trump administration's immigration policies, with activists using creative forms of protest like mass choral actions to show solidarity and provide a therapeutic outlet for affected communities.