AURORA, Colo. — On Friday, Donald Trump diverted from visiting key battleground states to hold a rally in a Colorado suburb that has recently garnered attention over issues related to illegal immigration. His focus remains on the narrative that migrants are creating disorder in smaller cities and towns across America, often relying on exaggerated or incorrect assertions to support his claims.
The event in Aurora marked the first instance of either presidential campaign making its way to Colorado ahead of the upcoming November election, despite the state’s consistent Democratic voting trend. Trump has consistently promised to initiate what he calls the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, making immigration a fundamental part of his political identity ever since he launched his first campaign in 2015. Recently, he has highlighted specific communities that have experienced significant increases in migration, leading to local tensions regarding resources and a sense of distrust among some long-term residents due to rapid demographic shifts.
Aurora came into focus in August when a video circulated showing armed individuals walking through an apartment complex inhabited by Venezuelan migrants. Trump has claimed that Venezuelan gangs are overtaking these buildings, although local authorities have stated that such incidents are limited and isolated. Despite these reassurances, Trump depicted a scenario where apartment complexes were overrun with “barbaric thugs,” directing blame at Democratic leaders such as President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. “They’re ruining your state,” Trump stated, asserting that no individual who has inflicted violence on the community should ever have the opportunity to become president.
During the rally, Trump intended to reveal his plan for “Operation Aurora,” which aims to target members of the Venezuelan gang known as Tren de Aragua (TDA). This gang has its origins linked back over a decade to a notoriously lawless prison environment. Trump also reiterated his commitment to invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which empowers the president to deport any foreign national from countries the United States is in conflict with.
In July, the Biden administration imposed sanctions against the TDA, categorizing it as a transnational criminal organization akin to notorious groups like MS-13 and the Camorra from Italy, while offering rewards totaling $12 million for information leading to the capture of three gang leaders. At the rally venue, attendees filled a designated conference hall, where stage displays featured mugshots of individuals labeled as “Illegal immigrant gang members from Venezuela.”
Stephen Miller, a former senior aide who may return to a significant role in the White House should Trump secure victory, referenced the posters while addressing the crowd. He engaged them directly, questioning if the individuals depicted were similar to the neighbors and community members they grew up with, eliciting a loud “no” in response from the audience.
In response to Trump’s rhetoric, some Democratic leaders from Colorado accused him and fellow Republicans of inflating the situation in Aurora. Representative Jason Crow remarked that the occurrences were minimal and isolated, emphasizing that there is no takeover of any part of the city—a statement he labeled as falsehood.
Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, have also propagated misinformation surrounding events in Springfield, Ohio, claiming that Haitian immigrants were involved in scandalous acts such as stealing pets. While neither Ohio nor Colorado are crucial to the presidential race, the prevailing Republican discourse on immigration is strategically aimed at impacting voter sentiment in more competitive states. Vance recently campaigned in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, highlighting Trump’s plan to escalate deportations and claiming that immigrant influxes have overwhelmed smaller communities.
Trump has made sweeping pledges regarding deportations, including targeting not only individuals with criminal backgrounds but also legally residing Haitians and those associated with what he calls “pro-Hamas radicals.” He has publicly stated his intention to rescind the temporary protected status that allows Haitians to remain in the U.S., citing the dire conditions in Haiti.
Critiquing the Biden administration, Trump holds Harris and Biden accountable for what he claims are record-breaking migrant arrivals while asserting these figures are contributing to increased violent crime, despite statistics that indicate a decline in crime rates since the pandemic. On the campaign trail, Trump references specific violent crimes allegedly committed by illegal immigrants, often derogatorily labeling them as “animals.” Recently, he suggested that some of the individuals suspected in homicides might possess “bad genes.”
Chris Haynes, a political science professor with expertise in immigration issues, noted that Trump’s messaging seems to resonate with some moderate voters, leveraging a tactic he describes as “episodic branding.” This strategy vilifies immigrants while instilling a perception of threat, which could sway the opinions of those undecided in their voter choices.
Harris has also shifted toward a stricter stance on immigration, presenting herself as a candidate capable of enforcing robust border security, given that this issue is seen as a significant vulnerability for her campaign. Wrapping up a recent tour in the western states, she held an event in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she proposed forming a bipartisan advisory council for her initiatives, demonstrating openness to ideas across party lines.
In her remarks, Harris took aim at Trump, criticizing him for his handling of relations with Iran during his presidency, and positioning herself as a more reliable advocate for Israel’s security. She emphasized her commitment to taking necessary actions to protect American interests and personnel from Iranian threats, reiterating that all options remain viable while favoring diplomatic channels.
Harris also served as a reassuring presence in a White House briefing about recovery efforts following hurricanes, committed to ensuring government aid reaches those affected.
