Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman Criticizes Colorado Laws Limiting Local Law Enforcement’s Role in Deportations

Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman recently discussed how Colorado’s state laws might make it difficult to carry out President-elect Trump’s plan for mass deportations.

Local Law Enforcement and Deportation Efforts

Colorado law prevents local law enforcement from helping federal immigration agents with deportations. This means that even if Trump’s deportation plan goes ahead, local police and sheriffs in Colorado cannot assist with the process.

While some counties, like Douglas and El Paso, have challenged this law in court, it is still in effect, limiting local cooperation. Mayor Coffman pointed out that this law creates a barrier for Colorado’s involvement in nationwide deportation efforts. Local officials are not allowed to participate in federal immigration actions unless the law changes.

Immigration Concerns in Aurora

Aurora has a large Salvadoran community, and many residents are worried about their future if Trump’s mass deportation plan is put into action. Mayor Coffman mentioned that many immigrants in Aurora, including Dreamers, currently have temporary legal status, which protects them from deportation.

However, Coffman is concerned that the new administration might end these protections, putting many people at risk. He believes that if deportations include individuals without criminal records, it could severely affect Aurora’s immigrant community.

Though Coffman hopes Trump will seek immigration reform, the uncertainty has caused anxiety among local residents.

Tensions Over Migrant Placement

Mayor Coffman also raised concerns about Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, accusing him of sending migrants to Aurora without informing city officials. Coffman believes this has caused tensions in the local community, especially with the placement of migrants in Aurora’s apartment complexes.

Denver officials deny Coffman’s claims, stating that they have not directed migrants to Aurora. A spokesperson for Mayor Johnston explained that Denver is helping newcomers, many of whom were sent to Colorado by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Coffman has filed a request for public records to gain more transparency about how Denver is managing its migrant placements.