Surge in Venezuelan-Linked Crime in Aurora, Colorado

FIRST ON FOX: Authorities in Aurora, Colorado, have identified a worrying trend of crime linked to Venezuelan nationals, particularly associated with the notorious Tren de Aragua gang. Emerging communications between state and local officials highlight concerns that date back to the summer of 2023, well before the public became aware of escalating violence connected to this group.

The Evidence Unfolds

Emails obtained by America First Legal and shared with Fox News Digital reveal alarming insights from local law enforcement. These documents detail discussions among various officials regarding the presence of Venezuelan nationals in two specific apartment blocks in Aurora.

In a critical email chain from February, an Aurora Police Department (APD) representative pointed out the “possible Venezuelan ties in Aurora,” specifically referencing the two apartment complexes where Venezuelan refugees had been placed. The email highlighted a troubling increase in violent incidents involving Venezuelan suspects, starting as early as June 2023.

>”Both of those addresses are currently having Venezuelan refugees placed there, and we have had multiple violent cases involving those addresses with Venezuelan suspects since about June of 2023,” the email indicated.

This communication specifically addressed concerns over “Venezuelans stealing and selling stolen vehicles and using fake plates,” with the APD expressing difficulties in identifying individuals lacking a criminal history in the U.S.

Rising Crime Rates

The situation regarding crime in these areas is not isolated. Reports indicate that calls for police service in the identified apartment blocks have “nearly doubled from 2022 to 2023.” A comprehensive overview of reported crimes highlights a substantial uptick:

– **2022**: 41 crimes reported
– **2023**: 84 crimes reported
– **2024**: 66 crimes reported through July 31

These incidents spanned various offenses, including motor vehicle crimes, robberies, drug-related offenses, trespassing, sexual assault, and aggravated assaults. Significantly, APD leadership refuted claims that had circulated about a lack of police presence in these neighborhoods.

Concern Across the Region

Further complicating matters, a document tracking incidents within apartments managed by CBZ Management—owners of 11 complexes in Colorado—described extreme violence, including the assault of a property manager and multiple armed incidents. CBZ contended last year that members of the Tren de Aragua gang had “commandeered entire buildings,” although local authorities suggested that these claims may have been exaggerated.

>”Gangs have taken control of several of our properties in Aurora, Colorado,” CBZ stated in a post on social media. “Some have spread false information about our situation for political purposes and to avoid governmental accountability.”

In another email exchanged in early 2024, APD detailed its collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) to identify potential Tren de Aragua members among the Venezuelan population, looking for individuals who might exhibit gang-related attire or tattoos.

Public Concerns and Responses

The revelations have intensified public scrutiny over recent months regarding the growing Venezuelan and Tren de Aragua presence in Colorado, accompanied by alarming violence. As tensions escalated, a viral video surfaced last August, showcasing alleged gang members brandishing firearms within an Aurora apartment complex, further igniting debates over immigration and public safety.

Political figures like then-President-elect Donald Trump capitalized on the incident during the campaign, launching “Operation Aurora” aimed at expediting the removal of “savage gangs” from urban areas.

At the height of the controversy, former APD interim Chief Heather Morris downplayed claims of gang control at the apartment complex, asserting:

>”I’m not saying that there’s not gang members that don’t live in this community. But what we’re learning out here is that gang members have not taken over this complex.”

However, this statement was met with skepticism. Former resident Cindy Romero vehemently disagreed, stating the incidents involving gangs were far from isolated. She claimed to have comprehensive video footage corroborating her experiences with violent incidents over the preceding year and expressed frustration over the slow police response to reported gang activity.

Legal and Political Implications

Recently, the Trump administration initiated an ICE raid in Aurora; however, details of the operation were leaked, sending local gang members into hiding. Federal officials have indicated that an investigation into the breach is underway.

America First Legal’s Counsel, Michael Ding, expressed outrage at what he termed the “gaslighting” of the American public concerning the threats posed by illegal immigrant criminal gangs:

>”While the Trump Administration has immediately gotten to work to clean up our communities, America First Legal will continue to investigate why state and local sanctuaries have not done more to help deport these dangerous individuals,” Ding stated.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Aurora Police Department and the Papagayo Foundation for comment on these ongoing developments.

Conclusion

As Aurora grapples with the ramifications of the concerning crime trends linked to Venezuelan nationals, the interplay of public safety, immigration policy, and community relations remains at the forefront of local discussions. With further investigations and responses from law enforcement anticipated, officials will have to navigate the complexities of these intertwined issues in the coming months.

Fox News’ Christina Coulter contributed to this report.