Elizabeth Hernandez
@lizzy-hernandez.bsky.social
Denver Post reporter. Finding humanity in journalism. I write about marginalized groups, social justice, education, libraries, housing, youth, ghosts and general whimsy. Local news stan.
Pinned
‘Grassroots’ movement of local residents keeps a watchful eye at Denver immigration court
Denver-area residents provide support and information to families at federal building.
www.denverpost.com
New: Meet the volunteers “bearing witness” at Denver immigration court.
These are the court watchers. They keep eyes open for ICE. They pass out resources to immigrants.
“It’s the best I’ve felt about being white in my entire life.”
www.denverpost.com/2025/11/23/v... via @denverpost.com
These are the court watchers. They keep eyes open for ICE. They pass out resources to immigrants.
“It’s the best I’ve felt about being white in my entire life.”
www.denverpost.com/2025/11/23/v... via @denverpost.com
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
The Trump administration plans to rescind $600 million in public health funds from Colorado and 3 other states led by Democrats because it finds the grants “inconsistent with agency priorities,” according to documents reviewed by the @nytimes.com
Trump administration to cut $600 million in health funding from Colorado, 3 other states
The Trump administration plans to rescind $600 million in public health funds from four states led by Democrats because it finds the grants “inconsistent with agency priorities.”
www.denverpost.com
February 10, 2026 at 4:25 PM
The Trump administration plans to rescind $600 million in public health funds from Colorado and 3 other states led by Democrats because it finds the grants “inconsistent with agency priorities,” according to documents reviewed by the @nytimes.com
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
Colorado drastically cut child poverty last year by giving $$ to low- and middle-income parents. @coltrain.bsky.social writes today about how that helped a Denver family -- and the problem the credits' costs pose for the budget. www.denverpost.com/2026/02/09/c... via @denverpost.com
Colorado’s family-oriented tax credits gave ‘light and hope’ to one mom — but costs make their future uncertain
A study led by researchers at Washington University and Appalachian State University found that the three tax credits helping families lifted more than 52,000 Colorado children out of poverty last …
www.denverpost.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:13 PM
Colorado drastically cut child poverty last year by giving $$ to low- and middle-income parents. @coltrain.bsky.social writes today about how that helped a Denver family -- and the problem the credits' costs pose for the budget. www.denverpost.com/2026/02/09/c... via @denverpost.com
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
7/ Read the rest of the letters:
“I Have Been Here Too Long”: Read Letters from the Children Detained at ICE’s Dilley Facility
Hundreds of children are currently being held with their parents at an immigration detention center in Dilley, Texas. In letters and drawings, eight kids convey the pain of feeling trapped with no end...
propub.li
February 9, 2026 at 12:42 PM
7/ Read the rest of the letters:
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
6/ “When I arrived every night I cried and now I don’t sleep well, I felt that being here was my fault and I only wanted to be on vacation like a normal family.”
9-year-old Maria Antonia Guerra Montoya, detained on her way to Disney World, spent 113+ days at Dilley.
9-year-old Maria Antonia Guerra Montoya, detained on her way to Disney World, spent 113+ days at Dilley.
![Page 2 of a child’s handwritten letter, written in pencil in Spanish. Translation: “They don’t give me my diet I am vegetarian, I don’t eat well, there is no good education and I miss my best friend julieta and my grandmother and my school I already want to get to my house. Me in dilei [Dilley] am not happy please get me out of here to colombia.” Below the text is a drawing of the girl and her mother in the government-issued gray sweatsuits of the detention center.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:k4jt6heuiamymgi46yeuxtpt/bafkreihpnudavq27nzelfb2kd3fjjthco7haqmhvx4zryksfbfruoxkm74@jpeg)
February 9, 2026 at 12:38 PM
6/ “When I arrived every night I cried and now I don’t sleep well, I felt that being here was my fault and I only wanted to be on vacation like a normal family.”
9-year-old Maria Antonia Guerra Montoya, detained on her way to Disney World, spent 113+ days at Dilley.
9-year-old Maria Antonia Guerra Montoya, detained on her way to Disney World, spent 113+ days at Dilley.
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
5/ “I have already spent more than 60 days waking up eating the same repetitive meals…going to the doctor and that the only thing they tell you is to drink more water and the worst thing is that it seems like the water is what makes people sick here…”
From 12-year-old Ender, detained 60+ days
From 12-year-old Ender, detained 60+ days
February 9, 2026 at 12:34 PM
5/ “I have already spent more than 60 days waking up eating the same repetitive meals…going to the doctor and that the only thing they tell you is to drink more water and the worst thing is that it seems like the water is what makes people sick here…”
From 12-year-old Ender, detained 60+ days
From 12-year-old Ender, detained 60+ days
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
4/ “Mi Familia,” by 5-year-old Luisanney Toloza from Venezuela, who had recently crossed the U.S.-Mexico border
February 9, 2026 at 12:30 PM
4/ “Mi Familia,” by 5-year-old Luisanney Toloza from Venezuela, who had recently crossed the U.S.-Mexico border
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
3/ “I have never been separated from my siblings and its honestly sad because they are little and they need their mom and sister.”
From 14-year-old Ariana V.V, whose U.S.-citizen siblings are 2 and 5 years old. Detained for 45+ days
From 14-year-old Ariana V.V, whose U.S.-citizen siblings are 2 and 5 years old. Detained for 45+ days
February 9, 2026 at 12:25 PM
3/ “I have never been separated from my siblings and its honestly sad because they are little and they need their mom and sister.”
From 14-year-old Ariana V.V, whose U.S.-citizen siblings are 2 and 5 years old. Detained for 45+ days
From 14-year-old Ariana V.V, whose U.S.-citizen siblings are 2 and 5 years old. Detained for 45+ days
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
2/ “I miss my school and my friends I feel bad since when I came here to this Place, because I have been here too long.”
From 9-year-old Susej F, detained for 50+ days
From 9-year-old Susej F, detained for 50+ days
February 9, 2026 at 12:25 PM
2/ “I miss my school and my friends I feel bad since when I came here to this Place, because I have been here too long.”
From 9-year-old Susej F, detained for 50+ days
From 9-year-old Susej F, detained for 50+ days
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
1/ ProPublica collected handwritten letters in mid-January from children held at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center, the same facility where 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos was taken.
Hundreds of kids are still detained.
We’ll let the children’s words speak for themselves. 🧵
Hundreds of kids are still detained.
We’ll let the children’s words speak for themselves. 🧵
February 9, 2026 at 12:25 PM
1/ ProPublica collected handwritten letters in mid-January from children held at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center, the same facility where 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos was taken.
Hundreds of kids are still detained.
We’ll let the children’s words speak for themselves. 🧵
Hundreds of kids are still detained.
We’ll let the children’s words speak for themselves. 🧵
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
Workers at the JBS meatpacking plant voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to authorize an unfair labor practice strike against the company, alleging illegal conduct at the bargaining table and inside the plant.
www.denverpost.com/2026/02/05/j...
www.denverpost.com/2026/02/05/j...
JBS workers in Greeley vote overwhelmingly to authorize strike
The timing of a potential walkout, which would be the first in the Greeley plant’s history, will be determined at a later date.
www.denverpost.com
February 5, 2026 at 4:41 PM
Workers at the JBS meatpacking plant voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to authorize an unfair labor practice strike against the company, alleging illegal conduct at the bargaining table and inside the plant.
www.denverpost.com/2026/02/05/j...
www.denverpost.com/2026/02/05/j...
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
The murder of the Washington Post is devastating for journalism and for Americans’ ability to chronicle and understand our own society. Another case study of what happens when invaluable civic institutions fall into the hands of fundamentally uncivic billionaires.
A staggering statement from former Washington Post editor Marty Baron: "This ranks among the darkest days in the history of one of the world's greatest news organizations."
February 4, 2026 at 4:23 PM
The murder of the Washington Post is devastating for journalism and for Americans’ ability to chronicle and understand our own society. Another case study of what happens when invaluable civic institutions fall into the hands of fundamentally uncivic billionaires.
People in power continue to buy newspapers across the country and cut, cut, cut the number of journalists doing important work.
From small towns to regional papers to national outlets. Journalists hold the powerful accountable. Solidarity to those laid off. You are powerful & your work matters.
From small towns to regional papers to national outlets. Journalists hold the powerful accountable. Solidarity to those laid off. You are powerful & your work matters.
February 4, 2026 at 7:38 PM
People in power continue to buy newspapers across the country and cut, cut, cut the number of journalists doing important work.
From small towns to regional papers to national outlets. Journalists hold the powerful accountable. Solidarity to those laid off. You are powerful & your work matters.
From small towns to regional papers to national outlets. Journalists hold the powerful accountable. Solidarity to those laid off. You are powerful & your work matters.
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
A publisher who lays off a reporter whose pen is freezing because she's covering a frigid war zone while dodging missiles is not an editor you want to work for, in a more perfect world
February 4, 2026 at 5:07 PM
A publisher who lays off a reporter whose pen is freezing because she's covering a frigid war zone while dodging missiles is not an editor you want to work for, in a more perfect world
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
Cuts at the Washington Post:
• Shuttering the Sports desk.
• Books section ended.
• Metro cut from 40 reporters to 12.
Bezos bought the Post for $250 million. He paid $500 million for his yacht.
• Shuttering the Sports desk.
• Books section ended.
• Metro cut from 40 reporters to 12.
Bezos bought the Post for $250 million. He paid $500 million for his yacht.
Bezos orders deep job cuts at 'Washington Post'
The Washington Post embarked on severe cuts despite appeals by the newsroom to owner Jeff Bezos. The paper is to narrow its focus largely to politics and national security.
www.npr.org
February 4, 2026 at 2:36 PM
Cuts at the Washington Post:
• Shuttering the Sports desk.
• Books section ended.
• Metro cut from 40 reporters to 12.
Bezos bought the Post for $250 million. He paid $500 million for his yacht.
• Shuttering the Sports desk.
• Books section ended.
• Metro cut from 40 reporters to 12.
Bezos bought the Post for $250 million. He paid $500 million for his yacht.
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
Lisa Calderón, a progressive activist who ran for mayor in 2019 and 2023, announced this morning that she will again vie for the city’s top job in 2027, taking on current Mayor Mike Johnston // Story by @elliottwenzler.bsky.social
Lisa Calderón will run against Denver Mayor Mike Johnston in 2027
Lisa Calderón, who is the first person besides Johnston to enter the race, placed third in the last mayoral election, narrowly missing the final runoff.
www.denverpost.com
February 3, 2026 at 4:23 PM
Lisa Calderón, a progressive activist who ran for mayor in 2019 and 2023, announced this morning that she will again vie for the city’s top job in 2027, taking on current Mayor Mike Johnston // Story by @elliottwenzler.bsky.social
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
Colorado congressional Democrats are calling for further investigation and transparency from federal officials after ICE agents left so-called “death cards” in the vehicles of detained immigrants in Eagle County last month // Story by @laurenpenington.bsky.social
Colorado lawmakers call for further investigation into ICE ‘death cards’ left in arrested immigrants’ cars
Colorado lawmakers in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are calling for further investigation after immigration agents left “death cards” in the cars of arrested immigrants.
www.denverpost.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:24 PM
Colorado congressional Democrats are calling for further investigation and transparency from federal officials after ICE agents left so-called “death cards” in the vehicles of detained immigrants in Eagle County last month // Story by @laurenpenington.bsky.social
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
New territory. Must read story from a colleague. www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
Homeland Security is targeting Americans with this secretive legal weapon
Under Trump, the Department of Homeland Security has weaponized administrative subpoenas to attack free speech, according to privacy and civil rights groups.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:14 PM
New territory. Must read story from a colleague. www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
Department of Homeland Security increasingly seeks to send asylum-seekers to third countries rather than hear their cases, immigration attorneys tell @lizzy-hernandez.bsky.social: “It seems like a deliberate attempt for the government to strip them of their right to file asylum in this country"
In Denver courtroom, Trump administration pushes to send asylum seekers to third countries
“It seems like a deliberate attempt for the government to strip them of their right to file asylum in this country,” said Jose Rosales, a Denver immigration attorney.
www.denverpost.com
February 2, 2026 at 9:57 PM
Department of Homeland Security increasingly seeks to send asylum-seekers to third countries rather than hear their cases, immigration attorneys tell @lizzy-hernandez.bsky.social: “It seems like a deliberate attempt for the government to strip them of their right to file asylum in this country"
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
New: Spent some time in Denver immigration court to witness the Trump admin’s push to force asylum seekers to seek safety outside the US in countries they’ve never been to www.denverpost.com/2026/02/01/c...
In Denver courtroom, Trump administration pushes to send asylum seekers to third countries
“It seems like a deliberate attempt for the government to strip them of their right to file asylum in this country,” said Jose Rosales, a Denver immigration attorney.
www.denverpost.com
February 1, 2026 at 4:21 PM
New: Spent some time in Denver immigration court to witness the Trump admin’s push to force asylum seekers to seek safety outside the US in countries they’ve never been to www.denverpost.com/2026/02/01/c...
New: Spent some time in Denver immigration court to witness the Trump admin’s push to force asylum seekers to seek safety outside the US in countries they’ve never been to www.denverpost.com/2026/02/01/c...
In Denver courtroom, Trump administration pushes to send asylum seekers to third countries
“It seems like a deliberate attempt for the government to strip them of their right to file asylum in this country,” said Jose Rosales, a Denver immigration attorney.
www.denverpost.com
February 1, 2026 at 4:21 PM
New: Spent some time in Denver immigration court to witness the Trump admin’s push to force asylum seekers to seek safety outside the US in countries they’ve never been to www.denverpost.com/2026/02/01/c...
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
Thanks to great journalist @lizzy-hernandez.bsky.social for another great article on Denver courtwatch (w/ a photo of yours truly). #DHS forcing immigrants to seek asylum in 3rd countries has exploded! #PINKS www.denverpost.com/2026/02/01/c...
In Denver courtroom, Trump administration pushes to send asylum seekers to third countries
“It seems like a deliberate attempt for the government to strip them of their right to file asylum in this country,” said Jose Rosales, a Denver immigration attorney.
www.denverpost.com
February 1, 2026 at 4:09 PM
Thanks to great journalist @lizzy-hernandez.bsky.social for another great article on Denver courtwatch (w/ a photo of yours truly). #DHS forcing immigrants to seek asylum in 3rd countries has exploded! #PINKS www.denverpost.com/2026/02/01/c...
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
Public schools across Aurora will close tomorrow — a day targeted for a nationwide "ICE Out" general strike — as the district says it "will not have enough staffing capacity to safely operate schools" because so many teachers are calling out // by @tamaraddunn.bsky.social
Aurora schools to close Friday due to anticipated staff absences
Aurora Public Schools and Pickens Technical College will be closed Friday as the school district anticipates “a higher than anticipated number of staff absences,” officials announced Th…
www.denverpost.com
January 30, 2026 at 4:31 AM
Public schools across Aurora will close tomorrow — a day targeted for a nationwide "ICE Out" general strike — as the district says it "will not have enough staffing capacity to safely operate schools" because so many teachers are calling out // by @tamaraddunn.bsky.social
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
Update: In a new statement - sent 12 hrs after publication - Gov. Polis' spokeswoman said the office is "taking this very seriously and (is) demanding that HCPF ensure it never happens again."
"We are taking actions like requesting future audits ... and are working to ensure full transparency."
"We are taking actions like requesting future audits ... and are working to ensure full transparency."
“We paid 10 times what we were supposed to pay?”
It’s unclear how much the incorrect billing guidance has cost Colorado's Medicaid program. But an analyst told the Joint Budget Committee that the fixed billing error would save $60.5 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year.
It’s unclear how much the incorrect billing guidance has cost Colorado's Medicaid program. But an analyst told the Joint Budget Committee that the fixed billing error would save $60.5 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year.
For years, Colorado Medicaid mistakenly paid a program’s providers several times too much — costing millions
“You either laugh at this one, or you cry,” Rep. Kyle Brown said. ” … So maybe it’s $20 million in a given year, and it’s been going on since 2020. That’s …
trib.al
January 30, 2026 at 1:37 AM
Update: In a new statement - sent 12 hrs after publication - Gov. Polis' spokeswoman said the office is "taking this very seriously and (is) demanding that HCPF ensure it never happens again."
"We are taking actions like requesting future audits ... and are working to ensure full transparency."
"We are taking actions like requesting future audits ... and are working to ensure full transparency."
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
"As a member of the press, I filmed the church protest a few weeks ago and now I'm being arrested for that," Indipendent journalist Georgia Fort said. "It's hard to understand how we have a Constitution, Constitutional rights, when we can just be arrested for being a member of the press."
Journalists Don Lemon, Georgia Fort arrested in connection with church protest against ICE
Lemon's attorney said he was taken into custody by federal officers Thursday night in Los Angeles, where he was covering the Grammy Awards.
www.kare11.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:51 PM
"As a member of the press, I filmed the church protest a few weeks ago and now I'm being arrested for that," Indipendent journalist Georgia Fort said. "It's hard to understand how we have a Constitution, Constitutional rights, when we can just be arrested for being a member of the press."
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
My statement on the arrests of journalists Georgia Fort and Don Lemon.
January 30, 2026 at 3:46 PM
My statement on the arrests of journalists Georgia Fort and Don Lemon.