Aurora Mayor Faces Backlash Over Controversial Email to Police

Aurora Mayor John Laesch has come under fire for an email sent to local police leaders that has sparked significant controversy. The communication, which criticized the police department’s historical role in law enforcement, follows recent protests and heightened federal immigration enforcement in the city, leading some city officials to question Laesch’s leadership.

In the email, Laesch accused the Aurora Police Department of traditionally being “on the wrong side of history” and included a link to an article from Workers World, the newspaper of a Marxist-Leninist organization. This reference has drawn sharp criticism, with some viewing it as inappropriate and politically charged. Laesch explained that his intent was to challenge the police to find methods to de-escalate tensions and enhance community safety.

The mayor’s tenure has already been marked by other contentious decisions. Within his first five months in office, Laesch proposed cuts to the Paramount Theatre’s budget, leading to the cancellation of the popular BOLD Series, reduced flag-raising ceremonies—which sparked debate during a Juneteenth event—and ordered the fire chief to raise municipal flags in opposition to directives from former President Donald Trump regarding right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Critics argue these moves have set a tone of division in the city.

Laesch’s recent email came after a series of events on October 9, 2023, when federal immigration enforcement activities caused panic within the community. The mayor referenced a community march during which police escorts were notably absent, leading activists to block intersections to protect marchers. He expressed concerns that “government is about to go through a huge evolutionary period” and emphasized the need for the police to evolve alongside these changes.

In the email, Laesch stated, “All living things have the capacity to evolve and grow.” He encouraged the Aurora Police Department to take a historic stance against what he described as “fascism” and to redefine how they serve the community in light of perceived federal overreach. His comments have not been received positively by all, with some officials expressing that the police’s primary responsibility should be to serve and protect the residents of Aurora.

Alderman Dan Barreiro of the 1st Ward emphasized the need for the mayor to remember his role as the city’s chief executive rather than a political candidate. He remarked that the police department is not meant to engage in ideological battles but should focus on local safety concerns. Alderman Carl Franco echoed this sentiment, calling the mayor’s email “unacceptable” and stating that it improperly places police officers in a politically charged environment.

Despite the backlash, Laesch maintains that his actions align with his commitment to protect the rights of all residents, particularly in light of the federal immigration crackdown. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the current climate, stating, “We are seeing the erosion of our Constitutional rights, and it is escalating.”

Some officials, including Alderman Mike Saville, have attempted to provide context for Laesch’s intentions, noting that many residents are fearful of government overreach and expect their leaders to uphold the law. However, the timing of the mayor’s email has raised concerns about the morale of the police department, which is currently facing staff cuts.

As the situation continues to unfold, the Aurora Police Department has not publicly commented on the email. The controversy has prompted discussions about the balance between political ideology and the practical responsibilities of city leadership.

City officials and residents alike are now left to navigate the implications of Laesch’s email and its impact on community relations and law enforcement in Aurora.