America First Legal (AFL) has released documents from the Aurora, Colorado Police Department revealing that local officials downplayed the threat posed by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA). These documents suggest that for over a year, officials failed to inform the public about the gang's violent activities, potentially endangering citizens. The documents also indicate that a nonprofit placed Venezuelan illegal aliens in apartments taken over by TdA.
In August 2024, surveillance footage showed TdA members taking control of an Aurora apartment complex. This prompted local authorities to acknowledge the gang's presence. Despite this acknowledgment, state and local officials continued to minimize the gang's threat. AFL obtained these documents amid recent immigration enforcement actions by the Trump Administration.
Following President Trump's inauguration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested a TdA leader in New York who had been involved in terrorizing an Aurora apartment complex. On February 5, 2025, ICE conducted raids across Aurora with support from several federal agencies, targeting 100 TdA members.
The AFL-released documents reveal that Colorado officials were aware of criminal activities linked to Venezuelans at two apartment complexes long before informing the public about TdA's growing influence. An email from February 2024 mentioned violent incidents involving Venezuelan suspects since June 2023 at these locations.
According to APD, the Papagayo Foundation was responsible for placing Venezuelan refugees in these properties, possibly facilitating TdA members' relocation to Aurora as suggested by Homeland Security Investigations.
Aurora is adjacent to Denver, which supports sanctuary city policies. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston criticized President Trump's deportation policies and outlined Denver’s non-detainer policy while threatening legal action against ICE. Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman later accused Mayor Johnston of using federal funds from Biden’s America Rescue Plan Act to move migrants into Aurora housing managed by CBZ Management.
At CBZ Management properties, police calls nearly doubled between 2022 and 2023 and again in early 2024. Criminal investigations increased significantly during this period as well. Crimes included motor vehicle thefts, robbery, drug offenses, trespassing, sexual assault, aggravated assault, and shootings.
In August 2024, instead of addressing property owners’ complaints about gang activity, Aurora condemned a property for code violations and evicted its residents. Another property was designated as a criminal nuisance set for closure in February 2025.
APD documented various incidents across CBZ Management apartments involving assaults on property managers and armed individuals allegedly targeting them. They also noted extortion claims regarding rent collection by TdA members.
As early as January 2024, TdA's criminal activities expanded beyond Aurora with reports of stolen vehicles being sold using fake plates by Venezuelans identified through law enforcement collaboration.
Since late 2022 approximately 43 thousand illegal immigrants have entered the Denver metro area costing an estimated $80 million excluding healthcare or education expenses.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis recently expressed openness towards federal agents operating within Colorado; however Republican congressional representatives urged him to repeal sanctuary laws restricting cooperation with federal immigration authorities or contracting detention facilities among other provisions hindering effective enforcement measures statewide
On December23rd last year AFL sent letters warning both Governor Polis & Mayor Johnston about potential legal consequences stemming from obstructing federal immigration efforts or concealing illegal aliens while requesting records related thereto
Michael Ding from America First Legal stated: “Progressive politicians have been gaslighting American people...America First Legal will continue investigating why state/local sanctuaries haven't done more” emphasizing ongoing commitment towards supporting rule-of-law principles against dangerous sanctuary policies nationwide