
Denver and Aurora mayors clash over migrant resettlement as Venezuelan gang activity sparks public safety concerns.
At a Glance
- Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman accuses Denver of covertly relocating migrants, including gang members, to Aurora.
- Denver Mayor Mike Johnston denies involvement, stating nonprofits independently decide migrant placements.
- Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang, is linked to rising crime in Aurora.
- The dispute highlights broader challenges in managing migrant populations and resources.
- Both mayors call for transparency and accountability in handling the migrant situation.
Mayors at Odds Over Migrant Placement
A heated confrontation has erupted between the mayors of Denver and Aurora, Colorado, over contentious migrant resettlement practices and public security concerns. Aurora’s Republican Mayor Mike Coffman has accused Denver’s Democrat Mayor Mike Johnston of covertly relocating migrants to nearby cities, potentially endangering them with criminals from gangs like Tren de Aragua (TdA). The dispute has brought national attention to the challenges faced by local communities in managing migrant populations and ensuring public safety.
Coffman alleges that nonprofits, working in conjunction with Denver, have been sending and housing migrants in Aurora without notifying local officials. This claim gained traction after a viral video showed TdA gang members in an Aurora apartment. Coffman questions why Aurora faces gang problems while Denver, which welcomed many migrants, does not.
Denver’s Response and Nonprofit Involvement
Mayor Johnston’s office vehemently denies directing nonprofits to place migrants in Aurora. Johnston maintains that the city of Denver has no authority over migrant assignments and that nonprofits independently decide placements based on housing availability. This stance has been met with skepticism from Coffman, who criticizes Johnston for lack of transparency and urges honesty about the migrant situation.
The involvement of nonprofits in migrant housing has become a central point of contention. Reports suggest that these organizations have been working with landlords to house migrants and subsidize rent. Aurora’s city attorney has reportedly found contracts allowing nonprofits to place migrants in Aurora without notification, further fueling Coffman’s concerns.
Public Safety Concerns and Gang Activity
At the heart of this dispute are serious public safety concerns, particularly regarding the presence of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua in Aurora. Apartment buildings housing immigrants, including alleged gang members, have seen instances of violence, raising alarm among local residents and officials. Coffman has criticized Johnston for potential economic harm to Aurora’s image due to these safety issues.
In response to these concerns, Johnston has shifted his stance to support deporting violent criminals. This aligns with broader federal immigration policy changes, including Trump’s plans to deport criminal immigrants. These developments are likely to further intensify the already strained relations between Denver and Aurora.
Call for Transparency and Accountability
As the situation unfolds, both mayors are calling for increased transparency and accountability. Coffman has filed an open records request to obtain details of the contract between Denver and the nonprofits involved in migrant placement. He is urging Johnston to disclose the number of migrants brought to Aurora and to be more forthcoming about the city’s role in the process.
This ongoing dispute between Denver and Aurora highlights the broader challenges cities face in managing migrant populations and resources. As federal immigration policies tighten, tensions between neighboring municipalities are likely to worsen, underscoring the need for clear communication, cooperation, and comprehensive strategies to address the complex issues surrounding immigration and public safety.
Sources:
- Aurora mayor blasts Denver counterpart for city’s Tren de Aragua and migrant crisis
- Mayors of Denver and Aurora Clash Over Migrant Placement
- Mayors of Denver and Aurora clash over placement of migrants
- Mayors of Denver and Aurora Fight Over Illegal Migrants Dumped from Denver