Aurora Police present MOU clarifying responses at GEO/ICE processing center; council moves item forward
March 23, 2026 | Aurora City, Douglas County, Colorado
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Aurora Police Chief Mark Hildebrand told the Aurora City Council on March 23 that a revised memorandum of understanding with the GEO immigration processing facility formalizes how Aurora Police will coordinate public‑safety responses to escapes and other emergencies at the facility while remaining within Colorado law.
The MOU, Chief Hildebrand said, codifies incident command structures, communications protocols and response parameters that were previously in place but inconsistently applied. "This is about public safety. That's what it's about. This is not about enforcement of immigration," he said, adding, "our officers are not deputized" and the agreement does not authorize APD to perform federal immigration enforcement.
The chief cited a prior escape in which notification and command were delayed; the new MOU clarifies when APD supervisors will evaluate risk factors and deploy resources. City Attorney Pete Schulte told council his office reviewed the agreement and concluded it complies with state law limiting local immigration enforcement.
Council members pressed for operational details. Councilmember Bergan asked how quickly the facility would notify APD and whether a person could be out of state before APD could respond; the chief said response timing depends on the circumstances and that supervisors will assess factors such as whether an escapee is on foot, believed to be nearby, or in a vehicle. Mayor Pro Tem Coons asked about the MOU's 10‑year term and whether it would expire if the federal contract with GEO is not renewed; city staff said the MOU includes a 90‑day termination notice and would expire if the facility closes.
There was no objection to moving item 3A forward for action at the regular council meeting.
What happens next: staff will bring the MOU forward per council process. The council did not vote on adoption at the study session; the item was advanced for consideration at the regular session.
The MOU, Chief Hildebrand said, codifies incident command structures, communications protocols and response parameters that were previously in place but inconsistently applied. "This is about public safety. That's what it's about. This is not about enforcement of immigration," he said, adding, "our officers are not deputized" and the agreement does not authorize APD to perform federal immigration enforcement.
The chief cited a prior escape in which notification and command were delayed; the new MOU clarifies when APD supervisors will evaluate risk factors and deploy resources. City Attorney Pete Schulte told council his office reviewed the agreement and concluded it complies with state law limiting local immigration enforcement.
Council members pressed for operational details. Councilmember Bergan asked how quickly the facility would notify APD and whether a person could be out of state before APD could respond; the chief said response timing depends on the circumstances and that supervisors will assess factors such as whether an escapee is on foot, believed to be nearby, or in a vehicle. Mayor Pro Tem Coons asked about the MOU's 10‑year term and whether it would expire if the federal contract with GEO is not renewed; city staff said the MOU includes a 90‑day termination notice and would expire if the facility closes.
There was no objection to moving item 3A forward for action at the regular council meeting.
What happens next: staff will bring the MOU forward per council process. The council did not vote on adoption at the study session; the item was advanced for consideration at the regular session.
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