An estimated 13 percent of Colorado’s construction workforce is composed of immigrants without legal status, according to the American Immigration Council. These workers are often responsible for labor-intensive, lower-paying jobs at construction sites, such as drywall installation and bricklaying.

With Colorado grappling with a significant housing shortage, questions have arisen about how the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation policies and potential mass raids could affect the state’s construction industry. The concern is that such policies could exacerbate labor shortages, especially in an already strained sector.

To explore the potential consequences, we reached out to Chloe East, an associate professor of economics at the University of Colorado Denver. East has been researching the economic effects of detaining and deporting immigrants without legal status since President Trump took office in 2016. Her studies focus on understanding how such policies affect industries that rely heavily on immigrant labor, such as construction.

East pointed out that immigrants play a crucial role in the state’s construction workforce, particularly in jobs that require physical labor but offer lower wages. "Immigrants without legal status are often the backbone of the workforce for these lower-wage jobs," East explained. "If deportation policies lead to a significant reduction in this labor pool, it could cause major delays and increase construction costs."

As Colorado continues to face a housing crisis, the potential loss of a significant portion of its construction workforce could worsen the situation. Housing development projects could slow down, potentially leading to delays in building new homes and pushing up housing prices.

"Construction projects may face major disruptions, especially in residential development," East said. "It’s not just about the immediate effects on construction sites; it’s about the ripple effects throughout the housing market. If construction slows, housing prices could rise even further, making it harder for people to find affordable homes."

The impact would likely be felt beyond just the construction industry. With a shortage of housing, the local economy could face broader consequences, as businesses and families alike would struggle to find affordable living spaces. The labor shortage in construction could also affect the renovation and maintenance of existing buildings, exacerbating issues in the real estate market.

While these potential effects are concerning, East also highlighted the broader implications for immigrant communities. "Beyond just the economic impact, there are human costs to these policies," East said. "Families could be separated, and workers may face increased fear and uncertainty, making it harder for them to access services or continue working."

With the construction industry already facing challenges from a shortage of skilled labor and rising costs, the imposition of harsher immigration policies could put even more pressure on the market. The long-term consequences for both the construction industry and Colorado’s housing sector will depend largely on how these policies are enforced and whether there is any pushback from local governments or businesses.

Originally reported by In the NoCo, Ariel Lavery, Erin O'Toole, Brad Turner in KUNC.