In a press conference held in Los Angeles on Friday, former President Donald Trump vowed to begin large-scale deportations from Springfield, Ohio, and Aurora, Colorado.
The former president cited criminal activity involving Venezuelan and Haitian immigrants as the reason for these potential removals, as Just the News reports.
During the press conference, Trump drew attention to rising concerns about crime in these two towns. Aurora has recently made headlines due to reports of a Venezuelan gang overtaking several apartment complexes. Meanwhile, Springfield has seen a noticeable increase in illegal immigrants from Haiti. Both cities, according to Trump, have suffered due to their inability to control these incoming populations.
Trump specifically mentioned a wave of criminal activity in Aurora, claiming Venezuelan criminals were sent from their homeland and are now residing in the United States. He alleged that Venezuela deliberately released prisoners, sending them across the border to the U.S. "They moved all their criminals," Trump said during the press event. "They emptied their jails, and those criminals are now taking over cities." Trump promised that deportations would begin in Aurora, where these issues have attracted national attention.
In Springfield, rumors have been circulating about Haitian illegal immigrants involved in highly controversial behavior. Trump addressed the claims that they have been abducting and consuming pets and wildlife. These allegations have been disputed by local authorities.
The issue of illegal immigration in Springfield was brought into even sharper focus with the death of 11-year-old Aiden Clark. The boy was struck and killed by a school bus in August 2023, which, according to Sen. JD Vance, was driven by a Haitian illegal immigrant. Trump echoed Vance’s concerns, highlighting the tragedy as further evidence of the urgent need for deportation measures in the town. Sen. Vance, who has consistently advocated for stricter immigration policies, has lent his support to Trump’s planned deportations in Ohio.
Trump also brought these issues to a broader national audience during the most recent presidential debate on Tuesday evening. He referred back to both Aurora and Springfield as examples of what he calls a broader crisis of illegal immigration threatening American communities.
Trump’s pledge to focus initially on Springfield and Aurora comes as part of what he promises will be the largest deportation effort in U.S. history. His statements have drawn both attention and controversy. While some local residents in these cities have expressed concern about crime rates, others question whether deportations are the right solution, particularly in light of conflicting reports surrounding some of the alleged criminal activity.
"We're going to get these people out," Trump stated unequivocally, referring specifically to the Venezuelan immigrants in Aurora. "We're bringing them back to Venezuela," he added, stressing the urgent need to remove individuals he deems a danger to public safety.
The former president reiterated that the planned deportations would begin in these two cities but could expand to other regions as needed. He suggested that more towns suffering from the impacts of illegal immigration would soon be added to the list of targets for future deportation efforts. While addressing the crowd, Trump painted a picture of an invasion from within, where criminal elements from outside countries are gradually undermining local communities.
Supporters of Trump’s immigration platform have praised the focus on local towns like Springfield and Aurora. They argue that a concentrated effort in these communities will bring much-needed relief to residents who feel threatened by rising crime rates.
Critics of Trump, however, continue to question the legitimacy of some of the claims surrounding these alleged crimes, particularly the unsubstantiated rumors regarding pet abductions in Springfield. Despite this, Trump’s base remains steadfast, agreeing with his assertion that stronger action is necessary.
With his ongoing campaign for the presidency, Trump continues to focus on immigration as a core issue, promising sweeping changes if elected. The promise of significant deportations marks a return to one of his signature policy platforms.
