Aurora's Immigration Policy: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles immigration policy a little differently. In Aurora, Colorado, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Sanctuary Policy Preemption

Aurora is not a formal sanctuary city but operates under the Colorado Trust Act, which limits state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, especially civil ICE detainers without judicial warrants.

Key details: State law: CRS 24-76.6 Trust Act. Sanctuary label: Declined formally. ICE detainers: Judicial warrant required. ICE facility: GEO Group in Aurora.

Local agencies cannot lawfully honor civil ICE detainers without judicial warrants under state law; violations expose the city to civil-rights litigation and Colorado Attorney General enforcement.

E-Verify Mandates

Colorado does not mandate E-Verify for private employers and Aurora has no city ordinance requiring its use, though federal contractors and some defense suppliers near Buckley Space Force Base must enroll under federal acquisition rules.

Key details: Federal status: Voluntary for most. State mandate: None in Colorado. City mandate: None in Aurora. Federal contractors: Required under FAR.

Discriminatory use of E-Verify, failure to follow Form I-9 retention rules, or noncompliance with federal contractor verification requirements can result in DOJ enforcement, fines, and contract debarment.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Aurora gives residents more flexibility on e-verify mandates.

The Bottom Line

Aurora's immigration policy rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Aurora is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Aurora's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.