Aurora Police Chief: Tren de Aragua Gang Presence Not an Immigration Issue

Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain stated during a press conference that the presence of the Tren de Aragua gang in the city is not an immigration issue. Despite the gang's suspected transnational criminal activities, Chamberlain emphasized that the focus of the Aurora Police Department is on criminal behavior rather than immigration status.

Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain has maintained that the presence of the Venezuelan migrant gang, Tren de Aragua, in apartment buildings in the city is primarily a criminal issue, separate from immigration concerns. The department's stance was outlined during a press conference held in response to surveillance footage showing armed men in an Aurora apartment building that garnered national attention.

In his address, Chief Chamberlain revealed that arrest warrants have been issued for three suspects in the video on charges related to burglary and menacing with a firearm. Despite the video's circulation, three additional individuals remain unidentified. Aurora Police continue to actively search for Andersen Zambrano-Pacheco, 25, and Niefred Serpa-Acosta, 20, while Naudi Lopez-Fernandez, 21, is already in custody.

Aurora Police Chief: Tren de Aragua Gang Presence Not an Immigration Issue

Chief Chamberlain acknowledged the difficulty in verifying gang affiliation among suspected Tren de Aragua members due to the limited database available from Venezuela. The transnational prison gang, based in Venezuela, reportedly has approximately 5,000 members.

Chamberlain maintained that none of the six men in the video have yet been linked to any organized criminal organization, according to an Aurora PD statement. The department's focus, he stressed, is on criminal behavior rather than immigration status.

Aurora Police Chief: Tren de Aragua Gang Presence Not an Immigration Issue

"The Aurora Police Department targets criminals based upon their actions and not on their immigration status," said Chamberlain. "Immigration status is enforced by federal laws, by federal issues."

Earlier this month, Aurora authorities announced the arrest of 10 "documented" Tren de Aragua members on charges ranging from child abuse to attempted murder and illegal discharge of a firearm. Chief Chamberlain reiterated that the department's priority remains crime prevention and law enforcement.

Aurora Police Chief: Tren de Aragua Gang Presence Not an Immigration Issue

City Council member Danielle Jurinsky, however, emphasized the need for federal assistance in addressing the Tren de Aragua issue. "Immigration is the job of the federal government, and that's why we need help," she stated. "Our ICE detention facility will fill up, and then what? Venezuela doesn't just get to decide after clearing out their prisons that they're not going to take anyone back."

During the press conference, Chief Chamberlain responded to concerns about gangs taking over the city. "I can tell you right now, gangs are not in control of the city of Aurora," he affirmed. "If you walk away with anything, that's what I will say. Are there gangs in the city of Aurora? Yes. There are. Are there gangs in most major cities throughout the United States? 100% there are."

Aurora Police Chief: Tren de Aragua Gang Presence Not an Immigration Issue

The Aurora Police Department prioritized seeking assistance from the federal government in addressing the Tren de Aragua crime problem. The department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.