AURORA, Colo. — Aurora is a sprawling city that measures approximately the same size as Tampa, Florida, prior to its evacuation. Home to around 400,000 residents spread across 164 square miles, Aurora encompasses upscale subdivisions, working-class areas, and a luxurious resort that is set to host a rally on Friday featuring Donald Trump. The rally aims to portray the city as a “war zone” linked to the influx of immigrants, as stated by Trump’s campaign team.
However, the portrayal of Aurora as dangerous starkly contrasts the actual situation on the ground, particularly as crime rates across many American cities, including Aurora, are on the decline. The catalyst for Trump’s scrutiny of this Denver suburb emerged in August, stemming from an incident that occurred in a specific block housing Venezuelan migrants.
In August, alarming video footage emerged showing armed individuals patrolling doors within an apartment complex, where owners from New York alleged that local Venezuelan gang members were extorting residents for rent. Around the same time, police reported a shooting incident in proximity to the complex.
Now, months have passed and law enforcement has reportedly identified six men from the video, managing to arrest one individual. Local tenants express confidence in their safety, recounting routine police visits that reassure them of their security.
“Since they left, it’s been peaceful and quiet,” shared Edward Ramirez, 38, as he entered his vehicle. He was among numerous residents who, in various interviews, noted that the sense of threat has significantly decreased. “Life is normal for us now,” he stated.
The narrative of crime from Trump’s rallies contrasts with the reality in Aurora, where crime rates have been decreasing, coinciding with the arrival of Venezuelan refugees seeking refuge from their home country. Research indicates that, statistically, immigrants are less likely to engage in criminal activities compared to native-born Americans.
Nevertheless, Trump has seized on isolated incidents of violence linked to migrants to tarnish the perception of the entire population. His claims paint a dire picture of a nation under siege due to what he refers to as an “invasion” of immigrants.
During a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump commented on Venezuelan gang activity in Colorado, stating, “They’re taking over properties and have resources our military lacks.” His remarks and the accompanying rhetoric have elicited considerable backlash from Aurora’s residents.
Aurora’s Mayor, Mike Coffman, expressed disappointment with Trump’s characterization of the city, asserting it is “far from a city overrun by Venezuelan gangs.” Coffman emphasized the exaggerated nature of concerns regarding gang violence, which he claims does not reflect the safety experienced by residents.
Governor Jared Polis also weighed in, highlighting Aurora’s ongoing struggle to shake its long-standing reputation for crime. He noted that one-fifth of residents were born internationally, and he believes that “this is a safer town than it’s ever been.” Polis emphasized that positive developments in Aurora are being overshadowed by unfounded narratives.
In response to Trump’s claims about safety, the Trump campaign pointed to comments from the Republican National Committee that referred to the situation in Aurora as symptomatic of a broader crisis at the border. The claim cited violent crime and drug issues, labeling apartment complexes as “war zones.”
The event will take place at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, located about 10 miles from the affected apartment complexes. Notably, Trump’s itinerary indicated no plans to visit those neighborhoods directly.
The current atmosphere in Aurora echoes past instances where President Trump and his allies have disseminated false narratives built around immigrant communities. Cases of migrant crime have amplified unfounded fears, leading to threats against government officials and event cancellations.
Despite a slight increase in crime correlating with the arrival of Venezuelan migrants in September 2023, police data indicates a significant overall decline in major crimes. Recorded incidents dropped 12% compared to the previous month.
While the influx of Venezuelans began in late 2022, the state saw a notable increase in crime following the pandemic. However, despite migrant presence becoming part of the community fabric, crime rates statewide continue to decline. Local council members have expressed concerns over the long wait times many immigrants face before being able to secure employment, potentially exacerbating challenges in the community.
Trump’s rhetoric frequently references specific crimes associated with migrants, including a tragic case involving a young woman in Georgia, which has further fueled fears surrounding immigration. Many Venezuelans who have relocated to Aurora express their relief in having left their troubled home country.
Although apartment conditions in some neighborhoods are far from ideal, residents report gradual improvements from what were previously hazardous environments. Residents, however, commented on the historical issues concerning safety and building maintenance, which existed long before the arrival of the Venezuelans.
Over the years, many community members have developed a nuanced understanding of their neighborhood’s evolution, often underestimating the significance of specific incidents that might impact public perception. As residents continue to reconcile safety concerns, city officials emphasize the overall decline in crime, maintaining that Aurora remains a safe place to live.
Despite overall improvements, some lingering issues remain prominent, and residents are hopeful that local officials will continue addressing the relevant challenges facing the community, even amid a broader narrative that overlooks the realities on the ground.
