Colorado Democratic Gov. Jared Polis’ office dismissed concerns about a Venezuelan gang allegedly taking over apartment complexes in Aurora, calling it a product of Aurora City Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky’s imagination. Jurinsky had raised alarms about the gang Tren de Aragua exerting control over the buildings, a claim supported by video footage showing armed men patrolling an Aurora apartment.

Polis’ office stated that the state is ready to assist local police if needed but downplayed the situation, noting a decrease in violent crime in Aurora from 2022 to 2023. Meanwhile, Aurora Republican Mayor Mike Coffman confirmed that Venezuelan gangs are controlling at least two apartment buildings in the city, attributing the issue to federal immigration policies and Denver’s sanctuary city status.

Residents of the affected complexes have corroborated Jurinsky’s claims, with one resident describing gang members openly patrolling the property with guns and dealing drugs, forcing some tenants to flee. Coffman criticized federal policies for failing to adequately vet migrants, leading to increased gang activity in Aurora.