A notorious Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua (TdA), has reportedly taken control of an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado, terrorizing residents and forcing city officials to take action. The gang, which originated in Venezuelan prisons, has brought its violent criminal activities to the United States, with Aurora now facing the consequences.
Residents of The Edge apartment complex, located at 1568 Nome St., near Colfax and Peoria, have been living in constant fear. Video footage shared on social media shows gang members openly brandishing firearms in the hallways of the complex. Cindy Romero, a resident, described the situation as a “nightmare,” detailing how she and her husband had to install five locks on their door and use a security bar to prevent break-ins.
The situation has become so dire that the city of Aurora has moved to close the complex, citing numerous code violations. CBZ Management, the company that operates The Edge, has complained that they cannot perform maintenance on the building due to the gang’s presence.
Aurora police acknowledged the gang’s influence in the area but attempted to downplay the situation by calling it “isolated.” However, the residents living under the gang’s control feel anything but safe. The gang’s violent activities include human smuggling, drug trafficking, and extortion, targeting both Americans and fellow Venezuelans.
City Council member Danielle Jurinsky has been vocal about the lack of support for residents trapped in these conditions, highlighting that while nonprofits rush to assist migrants, American citizens are left to fend for themselves.
The rise of TdA in Aurora is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by transnational gangs and the challenges faced by communities in dealing with their violent influence. As the situation unfolds, residents remain on edge, hoping for a resolution that will restore peace and safety to their neighborhood.
