An armed gang of illegal immigrants has reportedly taken control of an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado. The gang, identified as the Tren de Aragua, is a Venezuelan group known for its involvement in human smuggling, violence, money laundering, and drug trafficking.
Aurora officials are currently investigating the gang’s activities, which include their alleged control over a complex on Nome Street. This property is reportedly shutting down due to numerous “code violations.”
Crime in the complex has seen a dramatic rise, with 41 incidents reported in 2022, 84 in 2023, and 66 in just the first half of 2024. The presence of the Tren de Aragua gang is part of a broader trend where violent crime has spilled over into suburban areas like Aurora, which is experiencing the consequences of Denver’s open-door policy towards migrants.
Although Denver has welcomed over 40,000 migrants from the southern border since December 2022, Aurora has resisted becoming a sanctuary city.
In February, the Aurora City Council passed a resolution with a 7-3 vote, making it clear that the city would not allocate resources or support to migrants arriving from neighboring areas. City Council member Danielle Jurinsky, one of the resolution’s sponsors, told Fox News’ “America’s Newsroom,” “It’s been pretty tense here, we’re feeling it. We will not be aiding into this migrant crisis.”