In late August 2024, a proactive operation by the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office led to the arrest of six individuals, including four alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, at the Ivy Crossing Apartments in Colorado. The arrests, which were connected to a variety of criminal activities, have heightened concerns about the growing presence of this notorious gang in the area.
The operation, which took place on August 21, was part of a broader initiative to crack down on crime in the region. Officers conducted the operation at the Ivy Crossing Apartments near South Quebec Street and High Line Canal, arresting six individuals on charges ranging from drug-related offenses to possession of stolen vehicles. Among those arrested, four individuals were identified as members or associates of Tren de Aragua, according to confirmation from the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office. Specific details on how their gang affiliation was confirmed have not been publicly disclosed.
The Tren de Aragua gang, which originated in Venezuela, is known for its involvement in various illegal operations, including drug trafficking, extortion, and robbery. The gang has expanded its criminal activities beyond Venezuela, raising alarm in other parts of Latin America and now in the United States. The arrests in Colorado are seen as a troubling indication of the gang’s expansion into the region.
The sheriff’s office has emphasized that while the arrests took place at the Ivy Crossing Apartments, there is no ongoing threat to the broader community. Authorities are continuing to investigate the activities of those arrested and their potential involvement in other criminal operations. Law enforcement has also increased surveillance and patrols in the area as a precautionary measure.
Local law enforcement’s concerns about the presence of Tren de Aragua were heightened earlier in the summer when the gang was linked to a high-profile jewelry store heist. This incident, combined with reports of the gang’s growing presence, prompted the Aurora Police Department to take additional action.
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In a separate, gang-related incident in late August, individuals were caught on surveillance video entering units at an Aurora development while armed. Sources within the Department of Homeland Security later confirmed that the individuals seen in the footage were members of Tren de Aragua, further solidifying the gang’s presence in the region.
In response to the escalating concerns about gang activity, the Aurora Police Department announced the formation of a special task force dedicated to addressing the threat posed by Tren de Aragua. This task force, created in partnership with the Colorado State Patrol and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, aims to coordinate efforts to track and disrupt the gang’s operations in Colorado.
The task force will focus on a range of initiatives, including intelligence gathering, targeted operations, and increased collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The goal is to prevent the further spread of the gang’s influence and to protect the local community from the gang’s criminal activities.
As investigations continue, law enforcement officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. While the recent arrests mark a significant step in curbing the gang’s operations, the authorities remain focused on dismantling the broader network of criminal activity associated with Tren de Aragua.
