“Living in the Third World”: Armed Venezuelan Gang Members Roam Colorado Apartment Building, Residents Say

A harrowing situation is unfolding in Aurora, Colorado, where residents are claiming their apartment complex has been overrun by members of the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua. Video footage that recently surfaced online shows armed gang members patrolling the halls of an Aurora apartment building, fueling fears among residents who now feel like they are "living in a third world country."

The video, which quickly went viral, captured gang members brandishing firearms, including handguns and a scoped rifle, as they stormed the building. Tren de Aragua, a notorious gang originating from Venezuela, is believed to be responsible for this takeover, according to local reports. The gang, which has a violent history in its home country, has increasingly made its presence felt in parts of the U.S., particularly in migrant communities.

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Aurora City Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky has been vocal about the issue, describing the situation as an "organized criminal effort." She highlighted the alarming nature of the takeover, stating that the gang members are not only visible but are blatantly carrying out their activities without any fear of repercussions.

The residents of the apartment complex have been left to fend for themselves, with many expressing their fear and frustration at the lack of effective law enforcement response.

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Residents report that the gang has effectively seized control of the complex, with some tenants claiming that they have been forced to pay rent directly to the gang members. This assertion has been corroborated by former residents who managed to escape the complex with the assistance of local authorities and concerned community members​.

One resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the environment as one of constant fear, with gang members patrolling the property and engaging in illicit activities, including drug dealing and potentially sex trafficking​.

The situation has also sparked political controversy. Governor Jared Polis's office initially dismissed the reports as exaggerated, suggesting that the takeover was largely a figment of the imagination of those involved. However, Councilwoman Jurinsky fired back, questioning how such a serious situation could be downplayed when residents are living in constant fear​.

Adding to the complexity is the role of local law enforcement. While the Aurora Police Department has acknowledged the presence of the gang, they have described the incidents as isolated and have not taken significant action to curb the gang's influence. This perceived inaction has only deepened the frustration of residents and local officials alike, with some accusing the police of "checking out" and failing to protect the community​.