Police in the Denver suburb of Aurora, Colorado, have clarified that a Venezuela street gang has not taken control of a rundown apartment complex, despite claims circulating among conservatives. This unfounded allegation gained traction after a video surfaced showing armed individuals knocking on an apartment door in the complex, fueling fears of the Tren de Aragua gang’s presence. Aurora, a city grappling with crime and gangs, has identified and arrested individuals linked to the gang, including suspects in a recent attempted homicide.
Interim Aurora police chief Heather Morris stated during a visit to the complex that gang members had not seized control of the premises or collected rent. The speculation was stirred up after Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman mentioned that “criminal elements” had allegedly taken over some buildings and were extorting residents. Following a news conference where residents refuted these claims, Coffman admitted uncertainty about the accuracy of the information, noting the potential negative impact on the city’s image and economy.
Former President Donald Trump recently echoed exaggerated concerns about the gang presence in Aurora during a Fox News town hall, advocating for mass deportations. While some Venezuelan migrants entering the U.S. are suspected of criminal activities, experts highlight the absence of evidence suggesting an organized Tren de Aragua structure in the country. Reports of Venezuelan migrants supposedly taking over a school bus in San Diego and an apartment complex in Chicago have also been debunked.
Residents of the Aurora complex, comprised of Venezuelan and Latin American immigrants, voiced frustration over neglectful management by CBZ Management, blaming the company for poor living conditions despite high rent prices. Moises Didenot, a resident from Venezuela, criticized the building owner for allowing issues like pest infestations and maintenance problems to persist. The management company did not respond to requests for comment, and contact information for their Aurora properties appeared disconnected.
Aurora officials emphasized their commitment to addressing concerns related to the gang presence and vowed to address ongoing issues neglected by absentee property owners. The video that sparked the rumors of gang control showed armed individuals, prompting law enforcement to launch a task force to address criminal activities affecting migrant communities. Police spokesperson Sydney Edwards refrained from providing further details on the investigation into the video and related incidents.
