Trump seizes on one block of a Colorado city to warn of migrant crime threat, even as crime dips

Aurora: A City Falsely Portrayed as a “War Zone” by Trump

The city of Aurora, located in Colorado, is comparable in size to pre-evacuation Tampa, Florida. With a population of 400,000 spread across 164 square miles, Aurora is home to various neighborhoods, including upscale subdivisions and working-class areas. However, the upcoming rally by Donald Trump in Aurora aims to highlight the city as a “war zone” due to the presence of immigrants, according to his campaign.

Contrary to Trump’s portrayal, the reality of Aurora is quite different. Like many other American cities, Aurora has actually experienced a decline in its crime rate. The incident that caught Trump’s attention occurred in August within a single block of the city, specifically in an apartment complex where Venezuelan migrants reside. The video footage showed heavily armed men going door to door, allegedly extorting rent from tenants. However, the situation has since been resolved, with authorities identifying and arresting the individuals involved. Tenants of the building have reported feeling safe, with regular police check-ins.

Trump’s Exploitation of Local Crime

Aurora’s declining crime rate aligns with the national trend, which has coincided with the influx of Venezuelan migrants seeking refuge in Colorado and other cities across the country. Multiple studies have shown that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes compared to native-born Americans. However, Aurora serves as an example of how Trump has used isolated incidents of migrant violence to generalize and demonize an entire population, perpetuating the narrative of an immigrant “invasion” causing chaos in the country.

During a rally in Reading, Pennsylvania, Trump made sweeping claims about Aurora, stating that Venezuelan gang members were taking over the city and its real estate. These claims have been strongly refuted by local residents and officials. Mayor Mike Coffman emphasized that Aurora is a considerably safe city and that concerns about Venezuelan gang activity have been exaggerated. Governor Jared Polis also affirmed that Aurora has made significant progress in terms of safety and rejected the false narrative being spread.

Aurora as a Magnet for Venezuelan Migrants

Trump’s characterization of Aurora and the subsequent pushback from officials and residents resemble the falsehoods he and JD Vance, his running mate, spread about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. These lies resulted in bomb threats, evacuations, and the cancellation of a celebration of diversity. Aurora did experience a slight increase in crime coinciding with the arrival of Venezuelan migrants in September 2023. However, crime rates have since decreased. In September 2023, there were 12% fewer major crimes in Aurora compared to the previous month.

The arrival of Venezuelan migrants in Denver at the end of 2022 coincided with a steady increase in crime in the state. However, once the migrants settled and crime dropped statewide, frustration among some Colorado voters decreased. Aurora’s city council initially opposed the resettlement of migrants but eventually found willing landlords and nonprofits to support their integration into the community.

A Rough Neighborhood Slowly Improving

The neighborhood where many Venezuelans settled in Aurora has historically been one of the city’s rougher areas, located near Colfax Boulevard. However, residents have noticed improvements in recent years. While the area still faces challenges, such as broken windows, non-functioning lights, and trash accumulation, the overall atmosphere has become relatively calm. Longtime residents have observed a decrease in gunshots and believe the situation has improved.

The Impact on Residents and Businesses

Although residents feel safer now, they acknowledge the fear and terror caused by the armed men who roamed the neighborhood in August. The situation remains serious, and challenges persist for Venezuelan migrants awaiting asylum hearings. Many face difficulties obtaining work permits, leaving them in a vulnerable position in a new country with limited connections. This has had an impact on local businesses, with theft concerns leading to the closure of nearby Walmart and Walgreens stores.

Aurora remains a safe city with a declining crime rate overall. However, it is crucial not to downplay specific problems faced by residents in certain areas, such as the apartment complexes. Councilman Dustin Zvonek, a Republican, emphasized the importance of addressing these issues and understanding the concerns of residents directly affected by them.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 16.1: Reduce violence and related death rates
• SDG 16.3: Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice
• SDG 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, and responsible migration and mobility of people
• SDG 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Crime rate: The article mentions that Aurora’s crime rate is declining, indicating progress towards SDG 16.1.
• Arrests and identification of perpetrators: The article states that authorities have identified the individuals involved in the crime and have made arrests, indicating progress towards SDG 16.3.
• Perception of safety: The article includes statements from tenants and local officials about the improved safety and calmness in the area, indicating progress towards SDG 16.1.
• Resettlement of migrants: The article mentions the opposition to resettlement of migrants in Aurora, highlighting the challenges and impact on the community, which can be used as an indicator for progress towards SDG 10.7.
• Housing conditions: The article describes the run-down conditions of the apartment complexes and the efforts to improve maintenance, which can be used as an indicator for progress towards SDG 11.1.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: apnews.com