Authorities in Colorado are gearing up to take action against an apartment complex plagued by Venezuelan gang activity. Following alarming reports and videos circulating online, Aurora’s Mayor Mike Coffman announced plans to seek an emergency court order to label the properties as a criminal nuisance.
The push for legal intervention comes in the wake of former President Donald Trump’s remarks at a recent rally, where he claimed the town had been “overrun” by gang violence. Mayor Coffman stated that a municipal judge would need to authorize the order, aiming to restore control of the buildings to their rightful owners.
In a Facebook post, Coffman emphasized, “I strongly believe the best course of action is to shut these buildings down and ensure this situation doesn’t recur.” He isn’t alone in his concerns; disturbing footage shows individuals armed with rifles invading The Edge at Lowry apartments, reportedly linked to a gang known as Tren de Aragua (TdA). This group is notorious for human trafficking and targeting at-risk migrants, with allegations of smuggling women and girls for sexual exploitation.
Initially formed as a prison gang in Venezuela, TdA has grown its influence significantly, according to the U.S. Department of State. However, Interim Chief Heather Morris of the Aurora Police Department clarified that while gang members may reside in the area, they haven’t overtaken the apartment complex itself. “We’ve gathered intelligence from residents, and the overall picture is much clearer,” she noted.
Morris also mentioned that officers have been actively seeking information regarding gang activities, ensuring that residents aren’t inadvertently paying rent to gang members. She expressed confidence in the honesty of the community, stating, “Residents have assured us that this isn’t the case.”
In response to rising concerns, Aurora’s police have established a task force aimed at tackling criminal activities linked to migrants. The department is diligently gathering evidence of TdA’s connections to local crimes, including a recent arrest related to a shooting involving a known gang member.
