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Crow Warns of Growing Politicization of the Military

NEAR BUCKLEY MILITARY BASE | Representative Jason Crow. (Photo/El Comercio de Colorado)

CONGRESSMAN SCRUTINIZE USE OF BUCKLEY BASE AMID IMMIGRATION CONCERNS.

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado

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Representative Jason Crow, a member of the House Armed Services and Intelligence Committee, visited Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora following reports that it would be used for immigration operations under the Trump administration. Crow explained that his visit aimed to personally verify the situation and obtain firsthand information, as he has criticized the lack of government transparency in these procedures. “When there are rumors or reports in the community, the best thing to do is investigate,” he stated.

Crow confirmed that the facility is being used for national security activities and operations conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, after discussions with military officials and agents in charge of the operations, he was assured that the base would not serve as a detention center for immigrants. “They told me it will not be used to house immigrants or detainees, but solely as a coordination center for law enforcement operations,” he explained.

The congressman emphasized that this is the information available at the moment but that he will continue monitoring the situation. “Operations can change at any time, so I will be conducting regular visits and continuous oversight to ensure there are no unexpected changes in how this facility is used,” he added. Crow insisted that his priority is to ensure that military installations remain within their original mission and that immigrants’ human rights are not violated.

Concern Over Politicization of Armed Forces

Additionally, Crow expressed concern over the role the military is playing in new immigration policies. “I am worried about the growing politicization of the military. Our armed forces have key national security missions and should not be used for political purposes or tasks that overburden their operational capacity,” he commented. He also warned that adding these new functions could negatively impact military recruitment, which is already facing a crisis.

“If young people perceive that the military is being used for mass immigration operations, that could affect their willingness to enlist,” he explained. Regarding the announced mass deportations, Crow distinguished between the need to enforce the law against violent criminals and the indiscriminate targeting of immigrants. “No one disputes that we must detain and deport dangerous criminals, but mass deportations are something else. They target a much broader group of hardworking people with families in our community,” he stated.

Ongoing Information Requests

Crow referenced statements from former ICE director Tom Homan, who claimed that even the parents of U.S. citizens could be detained. “That is not only inhumane but also harms children and entire communities,” Crow remarked. The congressman stressed that the immigrant community plays a crucial role in the economy and society of his district, one of the most diverse in the nation, with 20% of residents born outside the U.S. and more than 130 languages spoken.

“Many of those affected by these policies are business owners, essential workers, neighbors, parents, and children who have built their lives here. We cannot allow mass deportations to destroy our communities,” he affirmed. Crow pointed out that the lack of transparency is unacceptable and that his duty is to ensure that decisions are made under proper oversight. “Transparency leads to accountability. We are seeing attempts to bypass congressional oversight and operate in secrecy. That is not acceptable,” he said.

Crow Assures Buckley Base Will Not House Detainees

He reiterated that he will continue using all available resources, including congressional hearings and information requests, to clarify these operations and ensure that immigrants’ rights are not violated and that military power is not abused. “It is our responsibility to guarantee that there are no excesses or unlawful actions,” he emphasized. Finally, Crow stated that he will work alongside community leaders and immigrant rights advocacy groups to ensure the community remains informed and protected.