Aurora Officials Dispute Claims of Gang Takeover, Announce Tren de Aragua Arrests

Aurora, Colorado officials have released a joint statement denying claims of a gang takeover in the city and announcing the arrest of 10 members of the Tren de Aragua transnational gang. The statement emphasized that while criminal activity linked to the gang has impacted certain properties, it has not affected the city as a whole.

Aurora, Colorado officials have released a joint statement refuting claims of a gang takeover in the city and announcing the arrest of 10 members of the Tren de Aragua transnational gang.

Aurora Officials Dispute Claims of Gang Takeover, Announce Tren de Aragua Arrests

The statement, issued by Mayor Mike Coffman and Council Member and Public Safety Chair Danielle Jurinsky, was released with the "full endorsement" of the city manager and Aurora Police Department.

The statement maintains that "gang members have not taken over" an Aurora apartment complex, despite surveillance video of armed men circulating online.

Aurora Officials Dispute Claims of Gang Takeover, Announce Tren de Aragua Arrests

The statement reveals that the Aurora Police Department (APD) has arrested eight individuals linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, with two of them involved in a shooting at an apartment property affected by gang activity.

Charges against the arrested members include child abuse, attempted first-degree murder, illegal discharge of a firearm, and more.

Aurora Officials Dispute Claims of Gang Takeover, Announce Tren de Aragua Arrests

The joint statement acknowledges that criminal activity, including that related to the Tren de Aragua gang, has significantly affected certain properties in Aurora.

According to the Aurora Police Department, the 10 arrests are linked to "committing acts of violence against members of the migrant community."

Aurora Officials Dispute Claims of Gang Takeover, Announce Tren de Aragua Arrests

The statement strongly criticizes "misleading social media claims" and "select news organizations" for exaggerating the situation.

"TdA has not ‘taken over’ the city. The overstated claims fueled by social media and through select news organizations are simply not true," the statement reads.

Aurora officials have formed a joint task force to address the Tren de Aragua gang activity in the region, involving APD and "other local, state, and federal partners."

The statement emphasizes Aurora's commitment to arresting "bad actors" and maintaining its status as "the most diverse city in Colorado."

In response to the arrests, Governor Jared Polis' office stated that "Colorado is a zero-tolerance state for illegal activity" and that the governor has been actively involved in the task force addressing the situation.

The office also expressed hope that "there has not been reputational damage" to Aurora from previous statements by city officials.

Colorado's sanctuary state status, which prohibits cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has come under scrutiny in light of the Tren de Aragua arrests.

Many of the gang members in the United States are illegal aliens, and their presence has raised concerns about the sanctuary state policy.

The Governor's office emphasized that the state remains committed to public safety and will not tolerate illegal activity, regardless of immigration status.