Recent reports of Venezuelan gang members attempting to take over apartment buildings in Aurora, Colorado have sparked a debate among city officials and residents. Surveillance footage showing armed members of the Tren de Aragua gang trying to break into an apartment complex went viral, leading to heightened fears in the community.
However, Democratic city councilwomen Stephanie Hancock and Alison Coombs have downplayed the severity of the situation, suggesting that the media has exaggerated the threat. They emphasized that the issue lies more with problematic landlords than with gang infiltration.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Denver police have also criticized the national media for what they perceive as a misleading narrative. Denver police have stated that there is no evidence of Tren de Aragua members targeting Denver apartment complexes for takeovers.
City officials in Aurora are calling for increased attention to be directed towards building landlords who are responsible for maintaining safe and habitable living conditions. They are committed to enforcing state laws that hold property owners accountable for addressing health hazards and code violations.
While Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman initially suggested that certain buildings have fallen under gang leadership, other officials have refuted these claims, attributing the problems to negligent property owners rather than gang activity.
Residents have expressed concerns about the living conditions in these apartment buildings, with one resident, Moises Didenot, placing blame on the building owners for the deteriorating situation.
As the debate continues, city officials are focused on resolving the issues related to poor living conditions and ensuring the safety of residents in Aurora, Colorado.
