Trump calls for death penalty for migrants who kill Americans

Former President Donald Trump intensified his anti-immigration rhetoric during a rally in Aurora, Colorado, on Friday, calling for the death penalty for migrants who kill US citizens or law enforcement officers.

The remarks come as Trump continues to focus on crime and immigration in the lead-up to the November 5 presidential election, where he faces Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.

Trump, the Republican frontrunner, highlighted the alleged presence of Venezuelan gang members from Tren de Aragua in Aurora, using their images to reinforce his message of cracking down on migrant crime.

"I'm hereby calling for the death penalty for any migrant that kills an American citizen or a law enforcement officer," he said, drawing loud applause from the crowd.

Trump also announced the launch of "Operation Aurora," a national initiative aimed at targeting and dismantling criminal networks like Tren de Aragua, which he claimed are responsible for violent takeovers in US communities.

He vowed to rescue towns like Aurora, which he described as being "invaded and conquered," though local officials have disputed these claims.

Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, a Republican, refuted Trump's statements ahead of the rally, saying that concerns about gang activity in the city had been "grossly exaggerated."

Coffman invited Trump to tour Aurora to see for himself, noting that major crimes in the city have decreased year-over-year, according to the Aurora Police Department.

The allegations regarding the Venezuelan gang activity in Aurora stem from a city effort to force the owner of several apartment complexes, where many migrants lived, to address issues such as trash, pest infestations, and maintenance problems.

A public relations firm representing the landlord had claimed in August that Tren de Aragua members had taken control of the properties, and a viral video of gun-toting men in one of the complexes drew national attention.

Cindy Romero, a former resident of the apartment complex, spoke at Trump's rally, sharing her experience with crime and expressing her support for the former president.

"I was a lifelong Democrat, but after what happened, I'm voting for Trump," she said, referring to the footage she captured of armed men entering her former residence.

Trump’s hardline stance on immigration has gained traction among voters, with polls indicating that many see him as the candidate best equipped to address the issue.

However, his proposal for the death penalty for migrant offenders would face significant legal and legislative challenges.

Nearly half of US states have abolished the death penalty, and expanding it at the federal level would require congressional approval.

The Death Penalty Information Center notes that while the federal death penalty exists, it is rarely used.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, has toughened her position on border security in recent months, criticizing Trump for blocking bipartisan border legislation earlier this year.

The Harris campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Trump’s latest remarks.

Despite Trump’s claims about crime in Aurora, local officials maintain that the city’s gang activity has been overstated. Community organizers expressed concern over the rally, with some residents fearing that Trump’s supporters could cause unrest.

"They're worried about Trump supporters showing up and threatening them," said V Reeves, a local activist.

As Trump ramps up his campaign, illegal immigration remains a central issue, with the candidate pledging to take stronger action if reelected.

"We will put these vicious and bloodthirsty criminals in jail or kick them out of our country," he said.