In Colorado’s mountain towns, Latino communities already face high rates of mental health challenges, and the fear of deportation is worsening these issues. Adolfo Román García-Ramírez, a 57-year-old Nicaraguan exile living in Silverthorne, exemplifies the stress many experience as they navigate life under the threat of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions.
García-Ramírez reflects on his childhood in Nicaragua, where stories of the ‘Mona Bruja’ or ‘Monkey Witch’ instilled fear in children. Now, his concerns have shifted to ICE officers. ‘There’s this constant fear that you’ll be walking down the street and a vehicle rolls up,’ he shared. This anxiety is common among Latino workers in the region, many of whom lack legal status.
Silverthorne, a town situated between the popular ski resorts of Breckenridge and Vail, has a population of nearly 5,000. García-Ramírez has lived there for two years, working as a grocery store cashier after being released from prison in Nicaragua in 2023. His temporary humanitarian parole expired in February, leaving him vulnerable to deportation.
The tourism industry in Colorado’s mountain towns attracts millions of visitors each year, but the workforce supporting these resorts faces significant mental health issues. High rates of suicide and substance use disorders have been reported, particularly among Latino communities. A recent survey indicated that over 80% of Latino respondents in the Western Slope region expressed serious concerns about substance use, a stark contrast to lower rates in other areas.
Statewide, Latino concerns about mental health have surged, with more than 75% recognizing it as a serious issue in 2023, up from less than half in 2020. Barriers such as language differences, cultural stigma, and limited access to care contribute to these escalating challenges.
Asad Asad, a sociology professor at Stanford University, pointed out that long working hours and lack of regular medical care exacerbate stress levels. He noted that many workers do not have the time or resources to focus on their health due to demanding jobs.
The high cost of living in these mountain areas, coupled with a shortage of mental health facilities, has intensified the crisis. The current political landscape, characterized by threats of immigration raids, has increased anxiety among Latino residents. Advocates estimate that a significant majority of Latino residents near Vail lack legal status, leading to heightened fear and isolation.
Yirka Díaz Platt, a bilingual social worker from Peru, explained that the fear of deportation causes many individuals to avoid seeking help or participating in community activities. Local health workers have observed a decline in visits from Spanish-speaking patients, as many choose to remain withdrawn from public life.
Amid these challenges, Juana Amaya, a house cleaner who immigrated from Honduras in 1983, shared the difficulties of admitting when stress becomes overwhelming. ‘We don’t like to talk about how we’re feeling,’ she said. The pervasive fear of deportation adds to the struggles of many families, especially those with young children.
Research by Asad indicates that the rhetoric surrounding deportation can lead to increased psychological distress not only for noncitizens but also for Latino citizens. The impact on children of undocumented parents can affect their health and educational outcomes.
Despite these challenges, support networks are emerging. Organizations in Summit County and Eagle County are providing mental health workshops and funding therapy sessions for those without insurance. Vail Health plans to open a regional inpatient psychiatric facility, aiming to improve access to care.
García-Ramírez continues to navigate life in Silverthorne, uncertain about his future. ‘If they deport me, I’d go directly to Nicaragua,’ he stated, expressing his fears about returning to a country where he faced death threats. Nonetheless, he remains resilient, taking each day as it comes. ‘Come rain, shine, or snow,’ he said, ‘I walk.’
