Police in Aurora, a Denver suburb, have denied claims that a Venezuelan street gang has taken control of a rundown apartment complex, contradicting allegations that have gained traction among conservatives and were amplified by former President Donald Trump.
The unsubstantiated claim gained momentum following the circulation of a video showing armed men knocking on an apartment door, fueling fears that the Tren de Aragua gang had seized control of the six-building complex.
Interim Aurora Police Chief Heather Morris visited the apartments and stated that gang members had not taken over and were not collecting rent. This contradicts earlier statements by Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, who had claimed that “criminal elements” had taken over some unspecified buildings and were extorting residents.
Police have linked 10 people to Tren de Aragua and arrested six of them, including suspects in a July attempted homicide. However, they maintain that the gang does not control the apartment complex.
The situation has become a focal point in the broader debate over immigration. During a Fox News town hall on Wednesday, Trump overstated the gang’s presence, claiming, “Venezuelans are taking over the whole town, they’re taking over buildings, the whole town.”
Experts, including Jeremy McDermott of InSight Crime, have found no evidence that Tren de Aragua has established an organizational structure in the U.S., despite the presence of some suspected gang members among Venezuelan migrants.
Many immigrants living in the Aurora complex deny the presence of gangs and instead blame property manager CBZ Management for poor living conditions, including pest infestations and constant water leaks.
Aurora officials have stated they are taking the Venezuelan gang’s presence seriously and indicated more arrests were expected. They also pledged to address issues caused by “absentee, out-of-state owners” of the properties.
The police have announced a task force with local, state, and federal agencies to address concerns about Tren de Aragua and other criminal activity affecting migrant communities.
