Authorities in Aurora, Colorado, arrested ten members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang this week following a violent takeover of an apartment complex. The gang, composed largely of illegal immigrants, has been responsible for numerous crimes across the city, including extorting rent from tenants and occupying empty apartments.
Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman and Council Member Danielle Jurinsky praised the police for their swift response in capturing the suspects. The arrests came after viral surveillance footage showed armed individuals, purported to be members of the gang, seizing control of the building.
Eight of the ten individuals arrested have been confirmed as members of Tren de Aragua. Two were involved in a July shooting that occurred at a property long associated with gang activity. The charges against the detainees include child abuse, illegal discharge of firearms, and attempted first-degree murder.
A joint task force has been formed to tackle the growing threat of gang violence in the city. The task force brings together local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to disrupt the gang’s operations, which have extended into nearby regions such as Arapahoe County and Denver.
Aurora police officials have indicated that further arrests are expected as they continue investigating the gang’s criminal activities.
