Trump launches ‘Operation Aurora’ and intensifies migrant critiques at Colorado rally: 3 key points
During a rally in Aurora, Colorado, former President Donald Trump escalated his anti-immigration messaging, reiterating false claims that the city has turned into a “war zone” dominated by dangerous Venezuelan gang members.
At the upscale Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, where room rates approach $400 a night, Trump portrayed Aurora as a city plagued by crime, attributing the crisis to Vice President Kamala Harris’ immigration strategies.
“We’ve come to Aurora, Colorado to shed light on one of the most striking betrayals any leader has ever imposed on their people,” Trump said, incorrectly suggesting that Harris “brought in” undocumented immigrants from “the depths of the third world.”
As the election approaches, Trump’s visit to Colorado was a rare pivot away from typical swing state campaigning for a GOP candidate, given that the state has not favored the Republican presidential nominee since 2004.
However, this rally let Trump hone in on a major campaign theme: the crackdown on immigration. This push follows a previous mention of Aurora as a focal point for illegal immigration during the September presidential debate.
“I will save Aurora and every town that has been taken over,” Trump told his supporters. “We will imprison or deport every last illegal alien gang member.”
Here are YSL News’s primary insights from Friday’s address.
Attacking immigrants
Trump introduced a new initiative called “Operation Aurora,” aimed at expelling undocumented immigrants affiliated with gangs, utilizing the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.
“We will dispatch elite teams from ICE, Border Patrol, and federal law enforcement to arrest and deport every illegal alien gang member until none remain in this country,” Trump proclaimed.
He also advocated for the death penalty for illegal immigrants who kill U.S. citizens or law enforcement personnel.
In recent weeks, Trump has aimed to instill fear regarding migrant-related crime in various small towns and urban areas across the U.S., with Aurora becoming a central theme in his strategy.
During the September debate, he claimed that Haitian migrants were allegedly causing harm to pets in Springfield, Ohio—a claim also echoed by his running mate, Senator JD Vance. However, local authorities have denied any credible evidence of such incidents.
Trump also asserted that members of the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, were taking over Aurora, a suburb of Denver with a population of 400,000. This statement was based on a viral video featuring armed individuals in an Aurora apartment complex.
Aurora police recently apprehended ten individuals linked to the gang, facing charges related to assaults and gunfire. However, both the police force and the city’s Republican mayor, Mike Coffman, have dismissed the notion that gang activity and migrants are causing extensive crime in Aurora.
“The concerns about Venezuelan gang activity have been greatly exaggerated,” Coffman stated in a Facebook post prior to Trump’s rally. “Such incidents have occurred only in a few apartment complexes within this city of over 400,000 residents.”
Blue state invasion
This rally marked the first instance this election cycle where either major presidential candidate visited solidly Democratic Colorado. It is one of just a few appearances in traditionally Democratic areas by the Republican nominee as the election nears.
Donald Trump is set to campaign in Coachella, California, a city located in Kamala Harris’ predominantly Democratic state, this Saturday. He will also hold a rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City later this month and has plans to visit Chicago next week alongside Vance.
On Friday, Trump expressed his belief that Colorado could be a viable state for him in 2024. He has made similar statements about New York, despite currently trailing Harris by significant margins in both states.
Nonetheless, his appearances might bolster Republican candidates in close congressional races. Specifically, there is a competitive election in Colorado’s 8th District, previously represented by Rep. Lauren Boebert, and another challenging contest in California’s 14th District, close to Coachella.
Trump’s visits to these Democratic-leaning states could be part of a broader strategy to showcase the failures of Democratic policies and to appeal to critical voting groups, including Latinos.
According to RNC spokesperson Anna Kelly, “Kamala Harris’ dangerously liberal policies have let down Americans nationwide—from the Bronx to Coachella, and Aurora. That’s why President Trump is delivering his America First message directly to these hardworking families.” Trump previously held a rally in the Bronx, where he shared the stage with rappers who are facing felony gang charges.
Trump’s appearances in these unexpected locations also generate significant media coverage. Known for his flair for showmanship, he may attract more attention in the lead-up to the election by visiting high-profile venues and unconventional locations.
A backdrop of violence
Aurora has gained national attention regarding immigration issues, but it was previously known for another critical issue: gun violence.
In 2012, a gunman opened fire in a movie theater in Aurora during a showing of “The Dark Knight Rises,” resulting in the deaths of 12 people and injuring 70 others. This tragedy was one of many mass shootings that continue to fuel a national discussion about gun violence.
This topic has gained even more significance during this election cycle, especially after two assassination attempts against Trump within the past six months. Both candidates have called for a reduction in political tensions in the country, but neither has significantly altered their rhetoric.
During a recent speech, Trump employed dark and at times violent language describing migrants crossing into the U.S., stating, “You can’t live with these people. These are stone-cold killers.”
