Trump Unveils ‘Operation Aurora’ at Rally in Colorado.
Former President Donald Trump announced his mass deportation plan, dubbed “Operation Aurora,” at a rally in Aurora, Colorado, on Friday. This marks the first time Trump has addressed supporters in one of the two cities where he proposes starting mass deportations of undocumented immigrants if he is elected in November.
At the rally, Trump declared, “I make this pledge and vow to you, November 5, 2024, will be liberation day in America.” He vowed to “rescue Aurora and every town that has been invaded and conquered” by undocumented immigrants.
Trump’s plan includes seeking the death penalty for undocumented migrants who kill American citizens or law enforcement officers. He stated that “elite squads” from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Border Patrol, and other federal law enforcement agencies would be deployed to locate and remove undocumented immigrants from the country.
Amid banners reading “Occupied America,” Trump claimed that current border policies have made the U.S. less safe. He alleged that other countries have emptied their prisons and mental institutions, allowing “rough” individuals to enter the U.S. He emphasized that during his presidency, violent criminals were not permitted entry into the country.
Trump also criticized the Biden-Harris administration’s border policies, claiming that migrants were being “flown in” and bypassing border checks. He referred to legal immigration processes that allow vetted individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the U.S. on humanitarian parole for two years.
“The border will be sealed. The invasion will be stopped. The migrant flights will end, and Kamala’s app for illegals will be shut down immediately, within 24 hours,” he promised.
The app mentioned by Trump, CBP One, was initially launched during his presidency to assist truck drivers crossing the border and was later expanded in 2023 to allow migrants to schedule appointments with Border Patrol.
Trump’s remarks come after Aurora gained attention due to a viral video showing violent Venezuelan gang members at an apartment complex. The Republican mayor of Aurora, Mike Coffman, acknowledged concerns about immigration but stated that claims regarding gang control in the city had been exaggerated.
Coffman commented, “I’m not dismissing the concerns at all, but whatever happened initially, happened. What I can tell you now is that the gangs are not in control of either complex.” He noted that the influx of Venezuelan immigrants has sometimes led to exploitation by criminal elements within their communities.
Despite the local issues, Trump has used Aurora as an example of cities he believes have been overrun by violent criminals. He has made similar claims at rallies and during debates with Vice President Kamala Harris.
While Trump’s campaign did not reach out to Coffman, the mayor chose not to attend the rally. GOP Representative Lauren Boebert of Colorado also spoke at the event, where she and other Republican Congress members had previously held a press conference blaming the Biden administration for the problems facing Aurora.
In September, Trump promised to visit both Aurora and Springfield, Ohio, with Springfield becoming a focus after unfounded claims about Haitian migrants were made. Although the campaign opted against visiting Springfield, Trump highlighted the sold-out rally in Aurora, with hundreds lining up outside the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, which accommodates 10,000 people.
Steven Miller, Trump’s senior adviser, addressed the crowd before Trump’s appearance, displaying photos of alleged criminal migrants. He asserted, “Colorado can shock the world and send Donald J. Trump back to the White House. This state is going Republican,” and pledged that a second Trump administration would remove undocumented immigrants from the country.
During his speech, Trump emphasized the strict border policies he implemented during his first term, which he claimed have been relaxed under the current administration. He showcased montages of news clips about migrant crime, particularly in Aurora, without distinguishing between alleged criminals and individuals seeking asylum or legal entry.
“January 20, they’re going to be out of this country,” Trump told his supporters, adding, “Our criminals are like babies compared to these people.” His proposals for mass deportations, primarily targeting undocumented immigrants, have faced scrutiny from immigrant rights groups, Democrats, and some within the Republican Party.
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