Governor Polis Allegedly Downplays Notorious Gang’s Influence in Colorado Town

Colorado Governor Jared Polis faces backlash for downplaying the impact of the Tren de Aragua gang in Aurora, as residents and local officials report escalating crime and fear.

At a Glance

Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua allegedly taking over apartment complexes in Aurora, Colorado.
Governor Polis dismisses gang takeover claims as “imagination,” despite video evidence.
Mayor Mike Coffman confirms takeover of at least two buildings, calling it an “organized criminal effort.”
Local officials and residents criticize Polis for downplaying the severity of the situation.
Aurora police launch special task force to address growing concerns about gang activity.

Gang Activity Raises Alarm in Aurora

The city of Aurora, Colorado, is grappling with a troubling situation as reports emerge of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua taking control of several apartment complexes. This development has sparked intense debate and criticism of Governor Jared Polis’s response to the crisis. Despite mounting evidence and concerns from local officials, Polis has been accused of downplaying the severity of the gang’s impact on the community.

Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman has confirmed the takeover of at least two buildings by the gang, describing it as an “organized criminal effort.” His statement directly contradicts Governor Polis’s dismissal of the situation, highlighting the growing tension between state and local authorities on this issue.

Governor Polis’s Controversial Stance

Governor Polis’s office has come under fire for its response to the gang activity reports. In a statement that has drawn widespread criticism, Polis’s office referred to the gang takeover as “a feature of Danielle Jurinsky’s imagination,” referring to the outspoken Aurora City Council member who has been vocal about the crisis.

This dismissive attitude from the governor’s office has not only frustrated local officials but also raised questions about the state’s commitment to addressing the growing concerns of Aurora residents. The governor’s stance appears to be at odds with the reality on the ground, as reported by those directly affected by the gang’s activities.

Evidence Mounts Against Polis’s Claims

Despite Governor Polis’s attempts to downplay the situation, evidence of the gang’s presence and impact continues to mount. Video footage aired by Fox Denver showed armed gang members in an Aurora apartment complex, leading to a shootout that injured one person. This visual evidence directly contradicts the governor’s assertion that the gang takeover is merely imaginary.

City Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky has warned: “I worry about everything that I know regarding this gang. And I worry about everything that I don’t know.”

The Aurora police department has launched a special task force to address the concerns about the gang, further undermining the governor’s dismissive stance. This action by local law enforcement indicates the seriousness of the situation and the need for a coordinated response to combat the gang’s influence.

Community Impact and Calls for Action

Residents of the affected apartment complexes report living in fear, with some afraid to speak openly about the situation due to potential retaliation. The gang’s activities have reportedly extended beyond the apartment complexes, with incidents such as a shooting in a Target parking lot being attributed to their presence.

As the situation escalates, there are growing calls for Governor Polis to acknowledge the severity of the problem and take decisive action. The disconnect between the state government’s stance and the experiences of local residents and officials highlights the need for a more coordinated and responsive approach to addressing gang activity and ensuring public safety in Aurora.