A city council member in Aurora, Colorado, has stepped forward with explosive revelations about a notorious Venezuelan gang's presence in the city. The documents she released paint a troubling picture of organized crime infiltrating local communities.
According to Fox News, Aurora City Council member Danielle Jurinsky has published internal documents showing that the Aurora Police Department was aware of the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang's activities in local apartment complexes since October 2023.
This disclosure directly contradicts earlier official statements that downplayed the gang's presence in the area. The documents detail that law enforcement had identified 15 to 20 TdA members operating across Denver and Aurora as early as last year.
Even more concerning, intelligence from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) indicated the gang’s plans to establish a headquarters in Aurora.
The gang's activities centered around two specific locations in Aurora: The Edge at Lowry and the Fitzsimons Place Apartments. These properties were explicitly mentioned in the police department's Gang Intervention Unit documentation from October 2023, highlighting the extent of law enforcement's knowledge about the situation.
Jurinsky has expressed strong criticism of city officials' handling of the situation. She alleges that the city has engaged in a massive cover-up of the gang's activities, affecting both law enforcement and resident safety.
Councilwoman Jurinsky shared her frustration, stating:
I am done. I am tired of the city lying. I am done with the governor who called the cops on me. I am done with the local media. This is an issue of human suffering. Gang members are extorting and torturing other migrants who came here for a better life and to get away from gangs like this.
The release of these documents coincides with recent actions by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding TdA members. The federal agency has identified more than 600 individuals potentially connected to the gang, with over 100 of these individuals recommended for placement on an FBI watchlist.
These developments demonstrate the growing concern about TdA's expansion beyond South America. The gang, which originated in Venezuela's Tocoron prison, has established a significant presence across multiple countries, including Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and now the United States.
Current reports indicate that the gang maintains its grip on the identified apartment complexes despite increased awareness of their activities. Law enforcement officials continue to monitor the situation while facing challenges in addressing the gang's presence.
Jurinsky has emphasized the impact of this situation on local law enforcement. She reports that Aurora police officers working on the front lines are increasingly frustrated with the handling of the TdA presence.
According to the council member, officers feel their efforts to combat the gang's activities are being undermined by political considerations and bureaucratic obstacles. This has created tension between front-line officers and city administration. The council member added another powerful statement about the current state of affairs:
This is one of the biggest cover-ups I've ever seen and Aurora police officers on the front lines are sick of it as well. They are putting their lives on the line and they are fed up.
The emergence of these documents has sparked renewed concern about the extent of organized crime in Aurora. The year-long presence of TdA in the area raises questions about the effectiveness of current law enforcement strategies and the transparency of city officials in addressing such threats. The situation continues to evolve as federal agencies, local law enforcement, and city officials grapple with the challenges posed by this transnational criminal organization.
