Nineteen suspected members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua (TDA) gang were apprehended this week in Aurora, Colorado, following a violent home invasion that left two residents hospitalized. This incident has reignited concerns voiced by City Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky about the escalating crime linked to migrants in the city. Jurinsky, speaking on ‘Fox & Friends,’ expressed frustration that her earlier warnings were disregarded, stating, "This unfortunately isn't a situation where you want to say 'I told you so,' but I did. This became political theater leading up to the election, and many people have suffered."
Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain reported that the suspects forced their way into an apartment complex already known for gang activity. They allegedly abducted two victims and took them to another unit, where they were subjected to a brutal assault involving beatings, pistol-whipping, and threats. Councilwoman Jurinsky described the attack as "absolute torture," citing reports that the female victim's fingernails were ripped off. The male victim was stabbed, but fortunately, both are expected to make a recovery.
Chief Chamberlain, who assumed his position in September, labeled the incident as gang-related, acknowledging its horrific nature. Jurinsky has consistently raised concerns about migrant-related crime and the increasing presence of TDA, a notoriously violent gang originating from Venezuela. Earlier this year, an incident at the same apartment complex involving TDA members brandishing weapons and intimidating residents drew national attention. Jurinsky highlighted the vulnerability of the remaining residents, many of whom are also migrants, saying, "After the American residents moved out, the most vulnerable population was left. These are other migrants, some unaware of their surroundings, some even dropped off in the middle of the night."
TDA's expansion across the U.S. has triggered alarms at all levels of government. Congressman Troy Nehls (R-TX) recently reported the gang's presence in 17 states, with members linked to serious crimes, including the murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley. Jurinsky attributes the rise of TDA in the U.S. to the Biden administration's immigration policies. In a previous statement to Fox News, she asserted, "These individuals are a consequence of our current administration’s failed border policies, and American citizens are bearing the brunt of it." A recent New York Times report confirmed that the Biden administration has presided over record-high net immigration, largely driven by illegal immigration.
President-elect Donald Trump, who has vowed to prioritize mass deportations in his second term, has made Aurora a central theme in his campaign. At an October rally in Aurora, he unveiled "Operation Aurora," a plan targeting undocumented immigrants with gang affiliations. Trump intends to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expedite the removal of these groups.
While critical of past city leadership, Jurinsky commends Chief Chamberlain's transparency and dedication to addressing the issue, stating, "He's made it clear this won't be tolerated. It's a new era in the Aurora police chief’s office." Aurora residents now await the outcome of these arrests and hope for a turning point in the fight against TDA and other violent groups.
