Aurora, Colorado, has seen a rise in crime associated with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA), leading to a public disagreement between Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. Coffman alleges that Johnston was not upfront about the role of two non-profit organizations in relocating migrants, including some with criminal backgrounds, to Aurora without informing local officials. Coffman expressed his concerns in an op-ed for The Denver Gazette, criticizing Johnston's lack of transparency.
This image, taken from a video that went viral in August, highlighted the presence of the TdA gang in Aurora. (Edward Romero)
Johnston's office denies directing any organization to house migrants in Aurora. The issue gained national attention after a video circulated showing alleged TdA members forcing their way into an Aurora apartment complex. Coffman claims he and Johnston held a press conference to address the public's concern following the video's release. Coffman recalls questioning Johnston about why Aurora appeared to be experiencing the brunt of the gang-related issues while Denver, which had welcomed a large number of migrants bused from Texas, seemed unaffected. According to Coffman, Johnston remained silent.
Coffman cites a City Journal report suggesting Johnston facilitated the movement of migrants from Denver to Aurora through non-profits that collaborated with landlords to secure housing and subsidize rent. One such organization, Papagayo, reportedly worked with CBZ Management, the company managing the apartment buildings featured in the viral video. Coffman says he confronted Johnston about the report, but Johnston was evasive about the number of migrants relocated and the resources provided to them.
The migrant relocation issue has sparked a conflict between Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman (left) and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston (right). (Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images, left, and Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post, right.)
Coffman claims Aurora’s city attorney obtained contracts between Denver and the two non-profits, revealing a clause allowing migrant placement in surrounding communities, effectively enabling the relocation to Aurora without local notification. Coffman argues this provision shielded Johnston from accountability. He further contends that a compliance requirement in the contracts mandates the disclosure of the number and location of relocated migrants, contradicting Johnston's claim that such information was unavailable. Denver's city attorney reportedly argues that the requested data cannot be released due to privacy concerns. Coffman suggests redacting personal identifiers and providing the remaining information.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston denies allegations of directing migrants to Aurora. (Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
Johnston's office maintains that Denver did not direct any organization to place migrants in Aurora and denies using city funds for rental support at the properties in question. They emphasize Denver's support for a significant number of migrants arriving from the southern border, many of whom were bused from Texas. Coffman connects the rise in crime in Aurora to the influx of Venezuelans, highlighting the challenging socio-economic conditions and rampant criminality in their home country. He calls for transparency from Johnston and accountability for the situation in Aurora.
Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman seeks answers from Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. (Larry French/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
