Pictures of the Year International

Jhosneidy Rodriguez, 15, prepares to hand two bottles of water and a small pack of cookies to a fellow resident outside her family's apartment in Aurora, Colorado, on September 26, 2024. The Rodriguez family sells snacks and drinks from their apartment window to help cover rent at Whispering Pines Apartments and other expenses. Several cats linger both inside and outside their apartment. Recently, former President Donald J. Trump made unfounded claims that illegal immigrants are eating domestic pets in places like Aurora, Colorado, and Springfield, Ohio, saying, 'They’re eating the cats.' Many Whispering Pines residents spoke to local media, dismissing these claims as false, expressing instead their concerns over the deteriorating condition of the property. In mid-2024, Aurora, Colorado, became a focal point of national attention following reports of gang activity involving the Venezuelan group Tren de Aragua. The situation gained prominence after a viral video surfaced in August, showing armed individuals attempting to enter an apartment in Aurora. This incident led to heightened concerns about public safety and the influence of international gangs in the area. Local officials, including Mayor Mike Coffman and Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky, initially expressed alarm, suggesting that Venezuelan gangs had infiltrated certain apartment complexes. However, subsequent investigations by the Aurora Police Department found no substantial evidence supporting claims of a widespread gang takeover. Police Chief Todd Chamberlain stated that while there were isolated incidents, the city was not overtaken by Venezuelan gangs. Former President Donald Trump amplified these concerns during his presidential campaign, citing Aurora as an example of immigrant-driven crime. In a rally held in Aurora on October 11, 2024, Trump proposed “Operation Aurora,” a plan aimed at deporting undocumented immigrants associated with gang activity. This proposal drew criticism from local leaders and residents, who argued that the portrayal of their city was exaggerated and did not reflect the reality on the ground. Community members in Aurora expressed diverse viewpoints on the national narrative. Many residents felt that the city’s reputation was being unfairly tarnished and emphasized the importance of addressing crime without resorting to divisive rhetoric. They highlighted the city’s diversity and the need for nuanced discussions about public safety and immigration. The situation was further complicated by political narratives during the 2024 presidential campaign, leading to a national debate on immigration and public safety.