The presence of migrants in Aurora, Colorado, has become increasingly visible, with individuals and families often seen seeking assistance in public spaces. This phenomenon extends beyond Aurora to the wider Denver area, where migrants are often observed soliciting money or offering services at intersections.

However, beneath the surface of these everyday occurrences lies a more concerning issue: a rise in violent gang activity, which has brought national attention to the city of approximately 400,000 residents. John Fabbricatore, the former ICE field office director for the Denver region, connects this surge in crime to the influx of migrants over the past few years, particularly those who entered without thorough vetting.

A video circulating online in August 2024 depicted alleged gang members carrying firearms within an Aurora apartment complex. This incident, along with other reported crimes, led a municipal judge to order the closure of the troubled complex this week. The city cited "unmitigated violent crimes and property crimes" as the basis for the closure, including the December kidnapping and torture of a migrant couple allegedly perpetrated by members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA).

The issue gained further prominence last August when a video purportedly showing TdA members with guns inside an Aurora apartment complex went viral. President-elect Donald Trump addressed the situation during a campaign rally in October, outlining his "Operation Aurora" plan to expedite the removal of these gangs using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.

While local police initially downplayed the severity of the gang's presence at the Edge at Lowry apartments, a judge recently granted the city's request for an emergency closure order. This action followed the December kidnapping and torture of a migrant couple at the complex, allegedly by TdA members. Nine individuals have been charged in connection with this crime.

Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman has publicly criticized Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, accusing him of transferring migrants to Aurora through non-profit organizations and obstructing Aurora's attempts to quantify the number of relocated individuals. Johnston's office has denied these allegations.

Fabbricatore criticized both mayors for their handling of the situation, advocating for open acknowledgment of the gang problem and improved communication between the two cities. He also expressed support for Trump's appointment of Tom Homan as "border czar."

Despite the reported issues, several Aurora residents interviewed by Fox News Digital expressed feeling safe in the city. One resident, Al, downplayed the gang problem, highlighting the homeless population as a more pressing concern. Crime statistics for the city show an overall slight decrease in crime, although gang-related assaults saw a year-over-year increase.

Community members hold differing views on Trump's proposed mass deportations. Some, like Roosevelt, believe those who entered the country illegally should be deported and follow the legal immigration process. Others, like Clarence, expressed concern for long-term immigrant residents.