Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman recently discussed the potential challenges Colorado’s state law could pose to President-elect Trump’s mass deportation plan.
While Trump’s immigration team seeks to enforce deportations, Coffman suggests that Colorado’s laws could make it difficult for local authorities to assist in the process.
Local Law Enforcement’s Role in Deportation Efforts
Colorado law prevents local law enforcement from working with federal immigration agents on deportation efforts.
This legal barrier means that, even if President Trump’s plan moves forward, local police and sheriffs cannot aid federal agents in carrying out deportations.
While some counties, such as Douglas and El Paso, have challenged this law in court, it remains in place for now, limiting any local cooperation.
Mayor Coffman stated that this law makes it difficult for Colorado to participate in the national deportation efforts.
He emphasized that, under current laws, local officials simply have no authority to get involved with federal immigration actions.
As a result, unless the law is changed, any large-scale deportation plan could face significant barriers in the state.
Immigration Concerns in Aurora
Aurora is home to a large Salvadoran community, many of whom are concerned about their future if Trump's mass deportation plan is carried out.
Mayor Coffman noted that many immigrants in Aurora, including Dreamers, have temporary legal status, which protects them from deportation under current laws.
However, he expressed worry that the new administration may end these protections, putting many residents at risk.
The potential end of protections for Dreamers and other immigrants with temporary status is a major concern for Aurora’s immigrant population.
Coffman believes that these communities could be significantly impacted if Trump’s deportation efforts extend beyond those with criminal records.
For now, he is hopeful that the President-elect will seek a solution through immigration reform, but the uncertainty has left many local residents anxious.
Tensions Between Aurora and Denver Over Migrant Placement
Mayor Coffman has raised concerns about the actions of Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, accusing him of "human dumping" migrants into Aurora.
Coffman claims that Denver has sent migrants to Aurora without informing city officials.
In particular, he pointed to the placement of migrants in Aurora’s apartment complexes, which he believes may have contributed to local tensions and challenges.
In response, Denver officials have denied Coffman’s claims, stating that they have not directed migrants to Aurora.
A spokesperson for Mayor Johnston said that Denver has been working to support newcomers, many of whom were bused to Colorado by Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Despite this, Coffman has filed an open records request in hopes of gaining more transparency about how Denver is managing its migrant placements.
