Colorado city helps 85 families relocate after Tren de Aragua apartment infestation

Aurora, Colorado, has been grappling with significant challenges in addressing the takeover of certain apartment complexes by members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA). In response to the escalating situation, Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain announced that the city has relocated approximately 85 families or individuals to safer areas to prevent further victimization. This effort is part of a broader initiative to clean up apartment complexes plagued by gang activity and mismanagement. The relocation was made possible with $94,000 from the city’s funds, ensuring that residents could escape the dangerous conditions and start anew in more secure environments.

One of the key developments in this saga was the shutdown of the Edge at Lowry apartment complex, a property that had become a hotspot for criminal activity. In a criminal nuisance closure order, Chief Chamberlain effectively sealed off the complex, citing its role as a hub for drug trafficking, prostitution, and violent assaults. The decision to close the complex was supported by a court ruling from Judge Shawn Day, who declared the property an “immediate threat to public safety.” Chamberlain emphasized that the complex would remain closed until its management is replaced or the current management takes responsibility for addressing the crises. If these conditions are not met, the city has vowed to pursue further legal action.

The situation at the Edge at Lowry was dire, with residents facing severe neglect, intimidation, and financial exploitation at the hands of both the management and the gang members who had taken over the property. Chief Chamberlain painted a grim picture of the living conditions, describing non-functioning stoves, floors with holes, faulty electrical systems, and a completely dysfunctional heating system. In one particularly alarming instance, a bedroom had exposed electrical cords, posing a significant fire hazard to everyone in the building. Across the street, another building was found to have a basement room used for narcotics sales and sex trafficking. These findings underscore the sheer scale of the depravity and lawlessness that had engulfed the complex.

The gang, Tren de Aragua, had effectively taken control of many parts of the Edge at Lowry, creating an environment of fear and lawlessness. According to Chamberlain, the gang specifically targeted Venezuelan immigrants, subjecting them to violence, intimidation, extortion, and even kidnapping. The complex became a breeding ground for criminal activity, with incidents ranging from drug trafficking to violent assaults. One particularly horrifying incident occurred in December when individuals were kidnapped, taken to one of the “venues” within the complex, and tortured to extort money from them. This event led to the charging of nine suspected gang members in January for their involvement in the violent home invasion, kidnapping, and robbery.

Despite the challenges, there has been progress in addressing the situation. In addition to the $94,000 spent on relocation efforts, the city allocated a further $360,000 to make the apartment complexes habitable for those who remained. Chamberlain praised the role of the immigrant community in bringing the criminal activity to light. He acknowledged that without the courage of these residents, who trusted the police enough to report the crimes, the full extent of the situation might never have been uncovered. Their cooperation was instrumental in helping law enforcement understand the scale of the problem and take decisive action.

The efforts of the Aurora Police Department to address the gang’s activities are part of a broader strategy to prevent Tren de Aragua from gaining a foothold in other areas of the city. Chief Chamberlain made it clear that Aurora will not tolerate criminal organizations terrorizing its residents, regardless of their origin. He highlighted the need for proactive and aggressive measures to address any signs of similar criminal patterns in the future. This approach comes after months of tension, particularly when Democratic Governor Jared Polis dismissed concerns about the gang’s presence as “imagination,” despite substantial evidence to the contrary. However, the Governor’s office later stated that the state stands ready to support local law enforcement with additional resources, including state troopers and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, if needed.

In conclusion, the situation in Aurora, Colorado, highlights the complex challenges cities face in balancing public safety with the needs of vulnerable populations. The relocation of residents, the shutdown of dangerous apartment complexes, and the renewed commitment to eradicating criminal activity all represent significant steps forward. However, the broader implications of this case—ranging from the exploitation of migrant communities to the political tensions over how to address such issues—underscore the need for continued vigilance and cooperation at all levels of government.