### Trump Rally in Aurora Sparks Debate Over Safety and Immigration

On Friday, former President Donald Trump is set to hold a rally in Aurora, Colorado, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center. The event, which starts at 1 p.m. Mountain Time, will be streamed live on CBS News Colorado.

The Trump campaign's characterization of Aurora as a "war zone" overrun by immigrants has been heavily challenged by local residents and officials. Despite Trump's claims linking the city’s issues to Venezuelan migrants, crime in Aurora has been declining, similar to trends seen across other American cities.

The incident that brought Aurora to Trump's attention occurred in August. A video surfaced showing armed men in an apartment complex housing Venezuelan migrants. Authorities are now addressing the situation: six suspects have been identified, and one has been arrested. Edward Ramirez, a resident, described how the situation has stabilized, asserting, "It's quiet, we can work, it's normal."

Multiple studies indicate that immigrants, including those from Venezuela in Aurora, are less likely to commit crimes than native-born Americans. Despite a slight rise in crime when Venezuelan migrants first arrived, police data reveals a notable 12% drop in major crimes from September 2023 to the following month.

Mayor Mike Coffman and Police Chief Todd Chamberlain have disputed Trump’s alarming claims. Coffman emphasized Aurora’s safety, while Chamberlain noted that the initial uptick in crime has subsided. Nevertheless, Trump continues to argue that migrants are causing significant disruptions, a narrative that has found some resonance among his voters.

The Trump campaign has used these isolated incidents to paint a bleak picture of Aurora to rally support. In response, the Republican National Committee spokeswoman, Anna Kelly, maintained, "The violent gang invasion of Aurora, Colorado, is just one example of how every state is a border state."

While Trump's rhetoric may stoke fears, many Venezuelan migrants and longtime Aurora residents argue that the situation has improved. Dexe Medina, a Venezuelan migrant, described Aurora as "a thousand times better than Venezuela."

Overall, the depiction of Aurora as a crime-ridden "war zone" contrasts sharply with the experiences of the residents and the downward trend in crime statistics. Aurora City Councilman Dustin Zvonek warns against dismissing isolated violent incidents, but insists that the city remains safe.

As Trump prepares to speak in Aurora, it is clear that his portrayal of the city will continue to be a point of contention among local and national audiences.