Former President Donald Trump raised alarms about increased immigration during a rally in Aurora, Colorado, on Friday. The event, held at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center, attracted thousands of supporters and drew attention due to false claims about a Venezuelan gang takeover in the area.
“What the hell are they doing to our country? What are they doing to Colorado? They’re ruining this state,” Trump exclaimed at the start of his speech.
For over an hour, Trump spoke to the crowd about immigration and crime, using the backdrop of mugshots of alleged gang-affiliated migrants and banners that read “Deport illegals now” and “End migrant crime.”
Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, pledged that if he is reelected, he will use law enforcement to “hunt down, arrest, and deport” undocumented immigrants linked to gangs. He referred to this initiative as “Operation Aurora” and cited the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.
“I’m calling for the death penalty for any migrant that kills an American citizen or law enforcement officer,” he declared. He dubbed Election Day, November 5, as “Liberation Day,” emphasizing his goal to “clean out” the country of undocumented immigrants.
Trump’s remarks come amid heightened attention from conservative figures and media regarding crime allegedly committed by immigrants, despite research showing that immigrants do not commit crimes at higher rates. The interim police chief of Aurora publicly dismissed claims of a gang takeover in late August.
Exaggerated narratives about the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua gained traction after a viral video in August showed armed men knocking on a door. While Aurora police identified six suspects in the video, none have been linked to the gang.
The situation escalated after Aurora City Council member Danielle Jurinsky discussed a “complete gang takeover” on Fox News, which drew further attention to the issue. Trump has mentioned Aurora during speeches, implying that the city is so dangerous that “you may never see me again.”
According to police, there are ten known members of Tren de Aragua in the Aurora area, with seven currently in custody. Authorities claim the gang’s presence is “isolated” compared to other gangs in the metro area. Local Republican leaders, including Aurora’s Mayor Mike Coffman, have criticized the takeover narrative as exaggerated.
Inside the ballroom where Trump spoke, immigration and violent crime involving Venezuelan migrants were framed as major issues in the upcoming election. “These towns have been conquered,” Trump said. “We will put these vicious and bloodthirsty criminals in jail, kick them out of our country, and we will be very, very effective in doing it.”
Although Trump is unlikely to win Colorado’s 10 electoral votes, he endorsed down-ballot Republican candidates, including Gabe Evans, who is running in the competitive 8th Congressional District, and Jeff Crank, running in Colorado’s 5th Congressional District.
Recent polling shows that Vice President Kamala Harris leads Trump in Colorado by 10 to 15 percentage points.
During his speech, Trump blamed Harris and President Joe Biden for the rise in immigration at the southern border. “Kamala Harris has imported an army of illegal alien gang members and migrant criminals,” he said, suggesting they are resettled in American communities to prey on citizens.
Trump has promised mass deportations for undocumented immigrants if he is elected again. Many migrants in the Denver area, primarily from Venezuela and other Latin American countries, are in the process of seeking asylum and are legally present while awaiting immigration court hearings. They pay taxes and can work after obtaining permits.
Community Pushback
In response to Trump’s rhetoric, community organizers and residents gathered at one of the apartment complexes highlighted during the rally. They celebrated their culture with Venezuelan music, colorful sidewalk chalk, and community interaction.
Henry Sandman, co-executive director of the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, stated, “We’re here in the community where the rumors and hate originated. It’s a normal community with residents—some immigrants and some not—who just want to live peacefully with their families.” He criticized Trump’s message as divisive.
Veronica, a Venezuelan immigrant residing in the area, expressed concern about Trump’s impact on community morale. “There is so much defamation about who we are,” she said. “I’ve lived here with my family with no problems.”
Oriana, a friend of Veronica’s, added that Trump’s plans for mass deportation are frightening. “Delinquency happens, but that doesn’t make us delinquents,” she emphasized.
Democrats Respond
Democrats condemned Trump’s visit and rhetoric ahead of the rally. Governor Jared Polis and Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper denounced the misinformation spread about immigrants in Aurora.
Bennet stated, “Trump has a pathological hatred for immigrants that blinds him to the economic and cultural benefits they bring.” He called for a president who can address the broken immigration system.
Congressman Jason Crow, who represents Aurora, pointed out that federal law enforcement agencies agree with local police that Tren de Aragua’s activities are minimal. “There is no takeover of any part of this city,” he asserted. “It is a lie.”
Crow noted that immigrant communities feel threatened by the anti-immigrant rhetoric, which has led to increased bias and racism. Many immigrants are struggling to find housing as landlords refuse to rent to them due to fears fueled by these narratives.
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold also criticized Trump’s “xenophobic and unfounded claims.” She stressed that Colorado’s elections are secure and accurate, reminding voters that Trump lost the 2020 election.
Trump’s rally coincided with the day Colorado clerks began mailing ballots to registered voters, with ballots expected to arrive soon.
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