In the Colorado city where President-elect Trump pledges to eliminate "savage gangs" of undocumented immigrants.

In a grocery store parking lot on a near-freezing afternoon, a man stood with a cardboard sign identifying himself as a migrant and requested assistance. Nearby, a woman and at least one small child sat on the ground, huddled against the harsh wind.

Those living in Aurora and the broader Denver area are frequently exposed to sights of migrants begging for money or attempting to make a fast buck by washing windshields at intersections.

The violent gang crime that brought national attention to the city of approximately 400,000 residents is less visible to the average Aurora resident.

John Fabbricatore, former ICE field office director for the Denver region, stated that they have witnessed extortion, murders, and a kidnapping, all allegedly linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

The surge in gang members entering the community is a direct consequence of the border issues over the past four years and the lack of vetting for those who entered. Fabbricatore stated that the community did not know who these individuals were when they arrived.

An alleged video of Venezuelan gang members carrying guns in an Aurora apartment complex in August brought attention to immigration issues in the Denver area. During his re-election campaign, President-elect Donald Trump discussed his "Operation Aurora" in the city.

"Trump announced at his Oct. 11 rally that he would launch an "Operation Aurora" at the federal level to quickly remove dangerous gangs. He also stated that he would utilize the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to target and dismantle every migrant criminal network operating on American soil."

The city has been granted an emergency order to close the 60-unit Edge at Lowry apartments, which has become an "epicenter for unmitigated violent crimes and property crimes," according to the city. The complex was reportedly taken over by gang members, including those suspected of kidnapping and torturing a migrant couple in December.

Nine men were charged in connection with the crime this week.

Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman accused Denver Mayor Michael Hancock of offloading migrants in the smaller city through two nonprofit organizations and blocking efforts by Aurora to determine the number of migrants deposited in the city.

""As the mayor of Aurora, I urge Mayor Mike Johnston to be transparent and truthful about his actions, which have caused a national embarrassment and harmed the city's image, potentially leading to long-term economic consequences," Coffman, a Republican, wrote."

A spokesperson for Johnston's office previously stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that "Denver did not direct any nonprofit or agency to place newcomers in Aurora."

Neither Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain nor Mayor Coffman's office agreed to be interviewed for this story.

Fabbricatore stated that both mayors were "responsible for attempting to overlook" the illegal immigration issue, particularly during the initial arrival of TdA in the community.

"The lack of communication between Aurora and Denver has been significant, according to him. He suggested that both mayors should acknowledge the existence of a criminal, illegal, and alien issue, as well as a gang problem, which must be addressed."

Trump's appointment of former acting director of ICE Tom Homan as "border czar" was praised by Fabbricatore, who referred to Homan as a "cop's cop" and predicted that federal agents would be able to carry out "targeted enforcement" against "criminal illegal aliens."

The majority of residents in Aurora, as reported by Planet Chronicle Digital, stated that they felt secure in the city and had not personally observed any gang-related issues.

Al, who moved from Chicago to Aurora four years ago, stated that crime in Colorado is "minimal."

""While many people complain about gang problems, I haven't personally experienced it, but I do feel for the homeless population, which is a significant issue in this area," he said."

In the city of approximately 400,000 people, overall crime decreased slightly in the first eight months of 2024 compared to the previous year, according to an analysis by Denver7. Although gang-related assaults increased by 33% compared to 2023, a five-year average of reported crimes showed a significant decrease from 513 to 221, police data indicated.

Locals were split on whether they supported Trump's promised mass deportations.

Roosevelt advised Planet Chronicle Digital that if individuals entered the country unlawfully, they must return and follow the proper procedure.

Concerned about the effects on longtime immigrants in the Memphis, Tenn. area, Clarence, originally from there, fretted.

"These individuals have remained in this location for an extended period," he stated. "What method will you force these individuals to vacate their residence? I find that perplexing. They have resided here longer than I have."

Robert minced few words, suggesting ICE "deport Trump" instead.

Trump has stated that his administration will prioritize removing illegal immigrants who have committed crimes, but is prepared to target law-abiding immigrants after that.