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.
The Colorado Trust Act (CRS 24-76.6) prohibits Colorado state and local agencies from honoring civil ICE detainer requests absent a judicial warrant and from sharing certain personal information for civil immigration enforcement. Aurora Police Department follows the Trust Act and does not act as immigration agents on civil matters, though APD coordinates with federal partners on criminal cases. The City of Aurora has historically declined the formal sanctuary label, taking a welcoming-city posture instead. The GEO Group runs an ICE processing facility within Aurora city limits, which is operated under federal contract and outside city policing control. Aurora Police Reform Commission recommendations follow the Elijah McClain consent decree.
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.
See how Aurora's sanctuary policy preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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