Venezuelan gang raises concerns in metro Denver

 Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios

Two elected officials in Aurora have alleged that Venezuelan gangs are overtaking apartment buildings. However, local police have not confirmed these claims and describe the gang's influence in the area as "isolated."

Why it matters:

The presence of a gang notorious for human smuggling and money laundering in the area heightens concerns about the safety of residents and newly arrived Venezuelan migrants, the majority of whom are not involved in criminal activities.

Driving the news: 

Aurora City Councilmember Danielle Jurinsky, a Republican, informed Axios that both building residents and local police have reported that Tren de Aragua has taken over at least four apartment complexes in Aurora. Jurinsky has assisted three residents in relocating and mentioned that five others have shared accounts of the gang's activities, which reportedly include shootouts.

Two Aurora elected officials have reported that Venezuelan gangs are taking over apartment buildings. However, local police have not confirmed these claims and describe the gang's influence as "isolated."

The latest: 

Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, also a Republican, stated on Thursday that some apartment buildings have "fallen" to gangs, though he did not specify which organizations. Aurora and Denver police have acknowledged Tren de Aragua's presence in the metro area but have linked the gang to some unspecified local crimes. Aurora police describe the gang's influence as "isolated," while Denver police have no information about Tren de Aragua taking over any apartment buildings in the city.

What she's saying:  

Jurinsky insists, "It's not an isolated incident."

Additional details:

KDVR obtained footage on Wednesday showing armed men approaching a unit at an Aurora apartment complex. The video, which was recorded at the Edge at Lowry, has not confirmed whether the men are gang members or Venezuelan. Jurinsky argues that the footage proves the gang's presence.

Zoom In: 

Last week, Aurora Police, under new leadership, formed a task force with local, state, and federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, to address issues related to Tren de Aragua. The department has declined to comment on specific incidents or disclose details about their strategies for handling gang activity.

Flashback: 

Earlier this month, some Aurora city councilmembers, including Jurinsky, suggested that gang activity was a factor in the closure of the Aspen Grove apartments in northwest Aurora. The city condemned the building due to health and safety violations, with the owner attributing the closure to uncontrolled gang activity.

Zoom Out: 

Tren de Aragua began as a prison gang in Aragua, Venezuela, and has since expanded across Latin America to become a transnational organization.