Venezuelan gang ‘components’ in Aurora, but reports are few and far between, city says

“As we previously mentioned, the City and Aurora Police Department, in collaboration with other local, state and federal partners, have established a special task force to specifically address concerns about the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) and other criminal activities affecting immigrant communities. We are grateful that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), a valuable federal partner, has recognized their ongoing work related to TdA throughout the city and appreciate the additional resources they are providing to combat this issue.

We are aware that elements of the TdA are active in Aurora. APD is gathering increasing evidence linking the gang to crimes in the area. However, as we have previously stated and as the DEA has also stated, at this time it would be inappropriate for the City and APD to make any conclusive statements about specific incidents or to provide details about law enforcement strategies and operations.

Based on our initial investigative work, we believe reports of TdA's influence in Aurora are isolated incidents. We urge all community members, including members of our immigrant communities, to report crimes committed against them to their local law enforcement and not to remain silent victims. Victims of crime can report crimes anonymously by calling Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867).

As always, information is subject to change as local, state and federal investigations continue.”

“The DEA has prioritized organizations most responsible for smuggling fentanyl into our communities. Over the past few months, our agents – working with federal, state and local partners here in Colorado – have seized multiple kilograms of fentanyl destined for the Denver metropolitan area from individuals believed to be members and/or associates of the gang known as Tren de Aragua.

Due to the ongoing, active investigative work of our agents and law enforcement partners, it is not appropriate for the DEA to provide further comment on the organization's role or presence in the region. While the Sinaloa Cartel and Jalisco Cartel remain the primary suppliers of fentanyl, we at the DEA continue to target their networks and regularly identify various criminal organizations and gangs across the country with whom they collaborate to traffic their poison.

To determine whether or not an individual is associated with a particular drug cartel or gang, investigators use a combination of factors, including statements from the defendant, informant information, the presence of known gang-related tattoos, analysis of phone records, geographic information, and intelligence. Again, in order to protect our ongoing and active investigative work, we cannot discuss the specific factors used.”

Due to the ongoing investigation, we are unfortunately unable to answer any further questions or provide any information about the appearances in front of the camera at this time.”

“The Denver Police Department takes the presence of Tren de Aragua seriously, and protecting the safety of our residents and our officers is always our highest priority. There are reasons to believe that members of this gang are connected to crimes in the area. However, the Denver Police Department is not aware of any residential 'takeovers' by this gang in Denver. The Denver Police Department, in coordination with our law enforcement partners, continues to actively investigate to learn more about the gang, its members, and related criminal activity so that we can respond accordingly – just as we do with any gang or criminal organization.”

The community can support these efforts by submitting tips through Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867). Whistleblowers can remain anonymous, and Denver Police do not ask witnesses or crime victims about their immigration status, removing a potential barrier to reporting.”