Venezuelan Gangs Colorado: Tren de Aragua Presence and Law Enforcement Response

Current situation

Venezuelan gang presence and activities

• Tren de Aragua expansion: The Venezuelan prison gang has established a presence in Colorado, particularly in the Denver metro area and Aurora, taking over multiple apartment complexes
• Criminal activities: Venezuelan gangs in Colorado are involved in various crimes, including tráfico de personas (human trafficking), extortion, shootouts, and violent robberies
• Migrant connection: Many Venezuelan gang members in Colorado are believed to be migrants who were not adequately vetted and released into the country

Areas affected by Venezuelan gangs

• Aurora apartment complexes: At least four apartment complexes in Aurora have reportedly been taken over by Tren de Aragua Denver
• The Edge at Lowry: This apartment complex in Aurora has been specifically mentioned as a site of Venezuelan gang activity and violence
• Denver metro area: While Aurora is the primary focus of Venezuelan crime, the gang's influence extends to the broader Denver metropolitan region

Law enforcement response to Venezuelan gangs Colorado

Task force formation

• Multi-agency collaboration: Colorado authorities, along with federal agencies, have created a "grupo de trabajo" (task force) to combat Tren de Aragua Denver
• Participating agencies: The task force addressing Venezuelan gangs Colorado is led by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and Colorado State Patrol, with support from the Aurora Police Department (APD) and federal agencies
• RAVEN support: The task force is backed by the Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement Network (RAVEN), specializing in arresting violent criminals and gang members

Ongoing investigations into Venezuelan crime Aurora

• Evidence collection: The Aurora Police Department is actively gathering evidence of Tren de Aragua Denver's connection to local crimes
• Apartment complex investigations: Authorities are investigating conditions in apartment buildings with high concentrations of Venezuelan residents, considering potential evictions
• Community engagement: Law enforcement is encouraging community members, including immigrants, to report crimes related to Venezuelan gangs Colorado and not remain silent victims

Community impact of Venezuelan gangs

• Resident displacement: Some residents have been forced to move out of affected apartment complexes due to Venezuelan gang activity
• Increased violence: There has been a reported increase in violent incidents in areas with Tren de Aragua Denver presence
• Community concerns: The Latin American community in Denver has raised alarms about threats and extortion from Venezuelan gangs Colorado

Challenges in addressing Venezuelan crime Aurora

• Deportation difficulties: Venezuela does not accept deportations from the U.S., complicating efforts to remove Venezuelan gang members
• Sanctuary city spillover: Denver's status as a sanctuary city receiving large numbers of migrants has contributed to the expansion of Venezuelan gangs Colorado into neighboring areas like Aurora
• Information gathering: Authorities are working to determine the exact number and identities of active Tren de Aragua Denver members in the area

FAQ

What is Tren de Aragua and why are they in Colorado?

Tren de Aragua is a Venezuelan prison gang that has expanded its operations to Colorado, particularly in the Denver metro area and Aurora. They are involved in various criminal activities, including human trafficking, extortion, and violent robberies. Many of their members are believed to be migrants who were not adequately vetted upon entering the country.

How are Venezuelan gangs impacting Aurora, Colorado?

Venezuelan gangs, especially Tren de Aragua Denver, have taken over at least four apartment complexes in Aurora. This has led to increased violence, resident displacement, and community concerns. The Edge at Lowry apartment complex has been specifically mentioned as a site of Venezuelan gang activity and violence.

What is law enforcement doing to combat Venezuelan crime in Aurora?

Colorado authorities have formed a multi-agency task force led by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and Colorado State Patrol, with support from the Aurora Police Department and federal agencies. They are actively investigating gang-controlled apartment complexes, gathering evidence, and encouraging community members to report crimes related to Venezuelan gangs.

Are Venezuelan gangs in Colorado connected to recent migrants?

Yes, many Venezuelan gang members in Colorado are believed to be migrants who were not adequately vetted and released into the country. The influx of migrants, particularly in sanctuary cities like Denver, has contributed to the expansion of Venezuelan gangs into neighboring areas like Aurora.

What challenges do authorities face in addressing Tren de Aragua Denver?

Authorities face several challenges, including difficulties in deporting Venezuelan gang members due to Venezuela not accepting deportations from the U.S. Additionally, the sanctuary city status of Denver has complicated efforts to control the spread of gang activity. Law enforcement is also working to determine the exact number and identities of active Tren de Aragua Denver members in the area.