Donald Trump intensified his anti-immigration rhetoric during a rally in Aurora, Colorado, proposing a death penalty for migrants who kill American citizens or law enforcement officers if he is elected president. The Republican presidential candidate has made this policy a central part of his campaign, aiming to galvanize voters concerned about illegal immigration and migrant crime.

“I am hereby calling for the death penalty for any migrant that kills any American citizen or a law enforcement officer,” Trump declared to a cheering crowd.

This hardline stance is part of his broader immigration crackdown, targeting both human traffickers and drug smugglers with the same automatic death penalty proposal. Nearly half of U.S. states ban the death penalty, and although the federal death penalty exists, its use is rare. Expanding it would require approval from the U.S. Congress. Despite Trump’s claims, studies indicate that immigrants do not commit crimes at higher rates than native-born Americans.

Vice President Kamala Harris has yet to respond to Trump’s proposal.

“We will send elite squads of ICE, Border Patrol, and federal law enforcement officers and arrest and deport every last illegal alien gang member.”

Focus on Aurora: “Operation Aurora” Targets Migrant Gangs

During a recent debate, Trump singled out Aurora as a battleground for his anti-immigration efforts, alleging that members of the Tren de Aragua, a violent Venezuelan gang, control several dilapidated apartment complexes in the city. This claim has been strongly refuted by Aurora officials, including Republican Mayor Mike Coffman, who described concerns over Venezuelan gangs as “grossly exaggerated.”

Nevertheless, at the rally in Aurora, Trump reiterated his promise to “rescue Aurora and every town that has been invaded and conquered” by foreign criminals. His proposed “Operation Aurora” aims to expedite the removal of gang members by invoking the Illegal Aliens Act of 1798, allowing the president to declare an “invasion” and deport non-citizens.

“We will put these vicious and bloodthirsty criminals in jail or kick them out of our country,” Trump pledged.

In Aurora, crime statistics paint a different picture. According to data from the Aurora Police Department, major crimes have decreased year-over-year. Yet, Trump’s rally stirred anxiety among local residents, with some fearing potential threats from Trump supporters.

Controversy Surrounding Aurora Apartment Complexes

The controversy over Tren de Aragua began after viral footage surfaced showing armed men at one of Aurora’s apartment complexes. This added fuel to Trump’s claims that foreign criminals have “overrun” U.S. cities. The footage was captured by former resident Cindy Romero, who spoke at the rally and announced she would be voting for Trump after experiencing crime firsthand.

Residents at the affected apartment buildings, like 30-year-old Jesus, a Venezuelan migrant, expressed frustration over being blamed for the actions of a few. “We are not all bad people,” Jesus said, reflecting the sentiments of many in the migrant community.

The dispute traces back to efforts by Aurora city officials to hold apartment complex owners accountable for repairs, trash removal, and pest control. While a public relations firm working for the apartment owners suggested that Tren de Aragua gang members had taken over the buildings, these claims have not been fully substantiated.

Trump Campaign’s Focus on Illegal Immigration

Trump’s escalating focus on illegal immigration comes just weeks before the November 5 presidential election. Polls suggest that illegal immigration remains a top concern for voters, with many viewing Trump as the best candidate to tackle the issue. He claimed that Kamala Harris, if elected, would allow the U.S. to become “Venezuela on steroids.

Additionally, Trump pointed to foreign criminals from regions beyond South America, suggesting that violent offenders from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia are also flooding into the U.S. He described these migrants as the “most violent people on earth.”