Aurora Police Propose Security Measures for Apartments Amid Venezuelan Gang Concerns
In Aurora, Colorado, authorities are proposing to station police officers at apartment complexes believed to be inhabited by alleged gang members from Venezuela. However, the property owner has not yet accepted this proposal.
City Manager's Proposal
The city manager of Aurora, Jason Batchelor, has suggested placing off-duty police officers at two properties managed by CBZ Management from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. A city spokesperson stated that this would provide CBZ Management with greater peace of mind and encourage them to resume managing their properties. However, the company has not yet agreed to this proposal and continues to be uncooperative with the Aurora Police Department regarding various criminal cases linked to their properties. The future of these properties is still undecided.
CBZ Management's Properties
CBZ Management, a company based in New York City, owns 11 properties in New York and 11 in Colorado, with average monthly rents ranging from $1,450 to $2,000. The Epoch Times contacted CBZ Management for a comment but received no response by the time of publication.
Claims of Venezuelan Gang Takeover
City officials have stated that social media claims of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) taking over apartment complexes are exaggerated. Mayor Mike Coffman and council member Danielle Jurinsky issued a statement to clarify the situation regarding violent gang activity and the city's response. They emphasized that the safety and well-being of community members and visitors is their top priority and that the issues experienced at a few properties do not reflect the city as a whole.
Homeland Security Investigations on TdA Activities
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) spokesperson Mike Alvarez stated that the agency is aware of TdA activities across the United States and continues to monitor emerging trends and assist partner law enforcement agencies in more than 34 regions throughout the United States and around the globe.
Aurora's Stance on Sanctuary City Status
In February, the Aurora City Council voted 7–3 in favor of a resolution stating that Aurora was not a sanctuary city and lacked the resources to support migrants. On Aug. 29, a viral surveillance video showed TdA members carrying guns and entering at least one apartment complex in Aurora.
Mayor's Visit to Troubled Apartment Complexes
Mayor Coffman recently visited several apartment complexes where the gang is believed to be active. He walked through buildings at 12th Avenue and Dallas Street and every floor of another troubled apartment complex owned by CBZ Management located at 13th Avenue and Helena Street. He stated that the goal is to secure both apartment complexes so that management can better maintain the properties.
Special Task Force to Address Venezuelan Gang Activity
The Aurora Police Department recently created a special task force to work with federal law enforcement to assess and interrupt alleged Venezuelan gang activity. On Sept. 11, the department released a summary containing a photo lineup of documented TdA members arrested on felony charges, including violence, burglary, and attempted murder.
U.S. Government's Actions Against Tren de Aragua
In July, the Biden–Harris administration announced new steps to stop Tren de Aragua, a group of international criminals that originated in Venezuelan prison gang culture. These actions included the U.S. Department of the Treasury blocking all property and interests in property in the United States and the Department of Justice offering a $12 million reward for the arrest of Tren de Aragua leaders.
Bottom Line
The city of Aurora is taking proactive steps to address the concerns of Venezuelan gang activity in certain apartment complexes. The proposal to station off-duty police officers at these properties is a significant measure to ensure the safety and security of residents. However, the cooperation of property owners is crucial for the success of this initiative. What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to share this article with your friends. You can also sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
