Blaze News original: Denver's vow to defy Trump's deportation plan exports crisis to neighboring towns



Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has pledged to thwart any future mass deportation initiatives by President-elect Donald Trump despite Colorado grappling with the growing influence of the vicious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua amid the Biden administration's ongoing border crisis.

In a November interview with the Denverite, Johnston claimed that the majority of his constituents would oppose any mass deportation efforts. His remarks gained widespread attention when he asserted he would consider deploying the Denver Police Department to prevent Trump's federal immigration agents from entering the city.

‘Would I have taken it back if I could? Yes.’

Johnston told the news outlet, "More than us having DPD stationed at the county line to keep them out, you would have 50,000 Denverites there."

"It's like the Tiananmen Square moment with the rose and the gun, right? You'd have every one of those Highland moms who came out for the migrants. And you do not want to mess with them," he added.

Johnston's controversial remarks sparked significant backlash.

Elon Musk claimed that Johnston "hates his constituents" for his refusal to address the immigration crisis.

Musk's America PAC explained in a post on X that TDA has spread to 16 states, including Colorado, "where Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has vowed to protect illegal aliens from deportation."

"There must be consequences for officials who continue to facilitate this invasion," the committee stated.

The presence of TDA in the U.S. has largely been driven by the Biden administration's CHNV program, which permitted the entry of 30,000 individuals monthly from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Furthermore, the administration expanded Temporary Protected Status to Venezuelan nationals, arguing that they cannot return to their home country "safely" partly due to — not without irony — "high levels of crime and violence."

Sanctuary policies in cities all over the United States, including those in Denver, have prohibited local law enforcement agencies from cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, effectively shielding even criminal illegal aliens from federal detainment and deportation.

Johnston swiftly retracted his initial statement in a subsequent interview, clarifying that he has "no plan" to station police on the county line, yet he did not explicitly rule it out either. Nonetheless, he affirmed his intention to join protests alongside other Denver residents.

"Would I have taken it back if I could? Yes, I probably wouldn't have used that image," Johnston told KUSA. "That's the image I hope we can avoid. What I was trying to say is this is an outcome I hope we can avoid in this country. I think none of us want that."

He continued, "If I think things are happening that are illegal or immoral or un-American in our city, I would certainly protest it, and I would expect other residents would do the same."

Johnston indicated that he would be willing to go to jail to protect illegal aliens residing in the city.

"I'm not afraid of that, and I'm also not seeking that," he added.

Johnston further claimed that he supports holding criminals responsible, including deporting illegal immigrants who have committed serious offenses.

"We think if you are a violent criminal that is committing serious crimes like murder or rape in Denver, you should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, and you should be deported," he told KUSA.

However, he previously remarked that Denver law enforcement would "absolutely not" help federal immigration officials.

"We won't do it," he declared.

Trump's incoming border czar, Tom Homan, told Fox News' Sean Hannity that Johnston would be "breaking the law" if he attempts to obstruct the administration's deportation efforts.

"Me and the Denver mayor, we agree on one thing: He's willing to go to jail; I'm willing to put him in jail," Homan remarked. "President Trump has been clear. We want to concentrate on public safety threats and national security threats. I find it hard to believe that any governor would say they don't want public safety threats removed from their neighborhoods."

Homan has repeatedly issued warnings to sanctuary city leaders that ICE will accomplish its mission with or without their assistance, adding that obstruction of such efforts is a federal crime.

Johnston's refusal to cooperate with immigration authorities puts a significant strain on Denver taxpayers. Roughly 45,000 foreign nationals have arrived in the city since December 2022 and approximately half remain.

A November report from the Common Sense Institute found that taxpayers have spent $356 million on the city's migrant response — an estimated $7,900 per person and 8% of Denver's 2025 budget.

Impacts on Aurora

Denver's sanctuary policies have served as a magnet for foreign nationals entering the country during the Biden administration. However, these migrant-first policies have also adversely affected neighboring towns.

In addition to the costs associated with providing housing, shelter, and other accommodations, the influx of new arrivals has also ushered in violent criminals and gang members.

Aurora, which is not a sanctuary city, hit the headlines in August when residents started raising concerns about a Venezuelan gang, TDA, seizing control of multiple apartment complexes in the city. The violent takeovers drove some locals from their homes.

‘”Operation Aurora” is coming.’

A surveillance video capturing six men, five of them armed, storming through an apartment complex propelled Aurora into the center of the national immigration debate.

Approximately 10 minutes after the video was taken, there was a shooting death near the complex. According to law enforcement, the two incidents were related.

Aurora City Council member Danielle Jurinsky immediately began speaking out about the criminal activity and even helped residents move out of the gang-controlled complexes.

Despite video evidence, Jurinksy appeared to be the only local official willing to acknowledge the problem. Meanwhile, Gov. Jared Polis (D) claimed the apartment takeovers were a figment of her "imagination."

Following repeated denials by city officials of the escalating threat posed by TDA, internal emails from the Aurora Police Department revealed that officials were aware of the gang's presence as early as November 2023.

When confronted about the leaked emails, an Aurora spokesperson told the Denver Gazette, "We must remember that police departments and the justice system as a whole must rely on admissible evidence, not hearsay, rumors, and fragments of information."

"Contrary to claims made on social media and by select news organizations, the city, including APD, has remained consistent in responses on this matter," the spokesperson stated.

The APD reported that two of the men seen in the viral surveillance video were arrested in New York City in late November. Three other individuals remain at large.

Aurora police Chief Todd Chamberlain stated, "The arrests last week were the product of nothing other than the dedication of the city of Aurora's officers and detectives and our positive working relationships with local, state, and federal partners throughout the country."

"We will continue our unwavering pursuit of all the remaining suspects in this case, and anyone else who victimizes members of our community, until they are brought to justice," he added.

In October, prior to the presidential election, Trump pledged that in his potential future administration, he would initiate what he referred to as "Operation Aurora."

"I will rescue Aurora and every town that has been invaded and conquered. These towns have been conquered. Explain that to your governor; he doesn't have a clue," Trump stated during a Colorado rally.

"We will send elite squads of ICE, Border Patrol, and federal law enforcement officers to hunt down, arrest, and deport every last illegal alien gang member until there is not a single one left in this country," he declared.

Jurinsky cautioned the city during a November public safety committee meeting that "'Operation Aurora' is coming."

‘Any active interference with enforcement is a federal crime.’

Jurinsky told Blaze News that she is highly doubtful that Johnston will use the local police to get in the way of the federal government's deportation efforts.

"If Mayor Johnston wants to stand at the Denver border with, I believe he said, Rhino Yoga moms, or something to that effect, it will just further show how unproductive he is," she stated.

Jurinsky said that Aurora does not have plans to "provide the Trump administration any assistance" in its sweeping deportation efforts but noted that the city "will certainly not stand in the way of what the American people voted for."

John Fabbricatore, a retired ICE Denver Field Office director, told Blaze News that "any active interference with enforcement is a federal crime."

"How does the mayor justify this position, and where does it stop? Are we now deciding that federal laws don't apply in Denver?" he questioned. "Enforcing the immigration law is a specific federal duty, and under the Supremacy Clause, the federal government has the right to enforce those laws."

He acknowledged that the federal government cannot force a local government to expend its resources to stop the illegal immigration crisis but added that Colorado and Johnston "have no grievance nor justification to stand in the way."

"This seems like nothing more than political posturing to appease a certain base instead of prioritizing the safety and well-being of residents. Standing with individuals who may include known gang members instead of focusing on law-abiding, hardworking citizens is a dangerous precedent. Denver deserves leadership that looks out for its people and upholds the law — not one that makes reckless statements to score political points," Fabbricatore told Blaze News.

Castle Rock fights back

In April, Douglas County, which encompasses part of Aurora, filed a lawsuit against the state over its sanctuary status, claiming its policies "create dangerous conditions" for residents and migrants. Several other counties joined the complaint.

Castle Rock, a town also within Douglas County and approximately 30 miles south of Denver, considered filing a similar lawsuit in September against Denver.

‘I'm admonishing publicly the mayor of Denver for his comments that I would account to be that of insurrectionist rhetoric.’

Castle Rock City Council member Max Brooks previously told Blaze News that instead of filing a complaint, Castle Rock issued a declaration of support for the county's legal action.

"Because Castle Rock has no municipally funded/run detention facilities, we are unable to prove standing so we may actually join their lawsuit," he explained. "The declaration was the best we could do as a council to voice very strong support of the county's lawsuit."

While Denver pledges to stand in Trump's way, Castle Rock is now moving to help the incoming administration remove criminal illegal aliens as swiftly and efficiently as possible.

During a city council meeting on December 3, Brooks proposed a motion to direct the town's attorney to work with the Douglas County attorney's office to draft a joint position endorsing any initiatives by the Trump administration to remove illegal immigrants.

Brooks stated, "This is me speaking personally, not as a member of the council, but I'm admonishing publicly the mayor of Denver for his comments that I would account to be that of insurrectionist rhetoric."

He called it "laughable" that Johnston believes that the police department would stand behind him after he previously mandated that it be cut and partially defunded to redirect funds to illegal migrants.

"You turn around, and you stab law enforcement in the back, and then you ask them to stand up for you and an insurrectionist movement," Brooks said. "To mention that you would be willing to put 50,000 of your residents at risk, to be on the county line to fight against the federal effort to remove those who are here illegally, shame on you."

Brooks' remarks received a round of applause.

‘Residents of Castle Rock continue to make it very clear that public safety is a primary concern.’

During the meeting, Brooks had a clear message for Johnston: You do not speak for Colorado.

Brooks presented his motion, stating, "What I would like to do is make it very clear that you do not speak for Douglas County, and I would like to, please, motion to direct our town attorney and attorney staff to begin working on a declaration that would be in support of any and all efforts to include anything we can do with our law enforcement personnel to support the deportation of illegal migrants, if and when that occurs at the request of the incoming presidential — President Trump — administration."

The council voted unanimously to pass Brooks' motion.

When asked whether he expected the motion to receive such overwhelming support, Brooks told Blaze News, "I anticipated this would be a 7-0 vote mostly because the vote to investigate the lawsuit against Denver over their failed 'asylum seeker program' was also 7-0."

"Further, residents of Castle Rock continue to make it very clear that public safety is a primary concern. Supporting our law enforcement and following the rule of law receives unwavering support," he noted.

The staff is expected to present a potential declaration to the council for members' review and subsequent vote, which Brooks anticipates will occur by early January.

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Security guard fatally shoots male who held gun to his head, threatened to kill him; prosecutors say guard won't be charged



A security guard fatally shot a male who held a gun to his the back of his head and threatened to kill him two months ago in Aurora, Colorado — and prosecutors on Monday said the guard acted in self-defense and won't be charged, KUSA-TV reported.

Police responded about 9 p.m. Aug. 31 to a report of a shooting outside a 7-Eleven in the 12000 block of East Colfax, the station said.

'He did his job, and he defended himself in the process.'

Prosecutors said Vernon Dorsey approached the guard, who was walking in front of the store, and placed a handgun to the back of the guard's head, KUSA said. Dorsey ordered the guard to hand over his gun and threatened to kill him, the station added.

KUSA said Dorsey and the guard fought as Dorsey attempted to disarm the guard.

But instead, the guard got hold of his own gun and shot Dorsey in the chest, KUSA said.

When officers arrived, they found Dorsey with a gunshot wound, the station said, adding that Dorsey later died. Dorsey was 36 years old, KUSA said in an earlier story.

The District Attorney’s Office and the Aurora Police Department agreed after reviewing evidence that the guard fired his weapon in self-defense and was legally justified, KUSA said.

Anything else?

The station said the guard was taken to police headquarters and questioned and that police at the time believed the guard was acting in self-defense.

The private company that supplies the guards for 7-Eleven — Iron Spear Protection Group LLC — said in a statement at the time that it's backing the guard in question with "absolute certainty" after reviewing the incident, KUSA reported.

Iron Spear's president stated at the time of the incident that the guard was in good condition and with his family, the station added.

How are observers reacting?

Commenters under KUSA's Facebook post about the incident were solidly behind the guard's actions:

  • "Good work, sir, here is a raise," one commenter said.
  • Good," another user added. "He did his job, and he defended himself in the process."
  • "Happy ending feel-good story!!!" another commenter exclaimed.

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Cover-up? What Aurora officials already knew about rising Venezuelan gang violence



City officials in Aurora, Colorado, repeatedly denied the growing threat of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua despite apparent early warnings, according to emails obtained by Aurora City Council member Danielle Jurinsky.

In a Wednesday post on X, Jurinsky shared an internal Aurora Police Department email dated November 16, 2023, from Gang Intervention Unit Officer Matthew Walters to Chief of Police Chris Poppe and several other colleagues.

'The liberal media and some politicians want you to believe that it is okay for people to live like this because it's just a handful of apartment complexes and not the entire city of Aurora.'

Walters explained that he had attached a "Gang Unit Bulletin" on TDA, which he planned to share with the entire department the following day. He noted that the announcement included information provided to him by a Homeland Security Investigations sergeant and an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, according to a photo of the email.

The ICE officer "stated TdA has decided to make Denver their headquarters due to sanctuary policies and location," Walters apparently wrote.

Poppe replied, asking Walters, "Is there any Aurora-centric info that could be included in the bulletin? Known addresses, or hangouts, or specifics cops should be aware of?"

In another X post, Jurinsky leaked a June 30 department email regarding an incident at Whispering Pines Apartments, owned by CBZ Management. According to the correspondence, a cleaning crew worker reported being "threatened ... to give up the keys to the vacant apartments … so that a group of Venezuelans could move people into" the complex.

"Suspects left but not before warning her to comply or else they would kill her and her family," the email continued, according to the photo.

The suspects reportedly stated that they had the building "under surveillance and that they had over 200 people working for them."

"I would highly recommend you guys to take 2-3 friends with you when responding to any calls there," the department email added.

In an email, Major Crime Homicide Unit Sergeant Jeff Longnecker stated, "I would be happy to go over this case with anyone that still denies this is a major problem."

Longnecker was referring to a murder, but it is not clear from the email which case precisely.

He expressed frustration that multiple agencies appeared to have opened criminal investigations into TDA, but "nobody seems to be able to work with each other."

"As soon as this group kills an innocent person all hell is going to break lose and I would hate for us all to be exposed for not sharing information with each other and/or not being able to show that we have dedicated proactive units and investigative units directly impacting this problem," Longnecker wrote.

Jurinsky torched some city leaders for downplaying the severity of the situation.

In a separate post on X, she stated, "The liberal media and some politicians want you to believe that it is okay for people to live like this because it's just a handful of apartment complexes and not the entire city of Aurora. I ask again what the threshold is for these 'leaders' to care?"

CBZ Management wrote in a post on social media this week, "The police knew about the TDA gangs taking over our properties - as early as Sept 22, 2023 - and didn't warn us! Worse, they put the onus of security on our employees without us knowing the danger!"

The company shared another leaked internal department email dated September 2023, with the subject line "Tren de Aragua."

"According to interviews from residence [sic] Tren de Aragua is working out of Aurora and residing in our city," the sergeant's email apparently read.

Ryan Luby, a city of Aurora spokesperson, told the Denver Gazette, "We must remember that police departments and the justice system as a whole must rely on admissible evidence, not hearsay, rumors and fragments of information."

"Contrary to claims made on social media and by select news organizations, the city, including APD, has remained consistent in responses on this matter," Luby wrote in a Thursday statement to the news outlet.

Luby also pushed back on CBZ Management, telling the Denver Gazette, "Instead of expending the resources to address the documented issues, CBZ and its stakeholders have hired a team of attorneys and, as we learned today, a Florida-based public relations firm to engage in diversionary tactics, fight the city in its city charter-mandated duties to enforce city code, and alternative narratives with many of you."

Governor Jared Polis' office told the news outlet that the governor's office is "committed to supporting local law enforcement and their work to keep our communities safe."

Polis previously called TDA's takeover of apartment complexes "largely a feature of Danielle Jurinsky's imagination."

"The state was first notified by Homeland Security in late July that they were monitoring activity in Aurora, the state then immediately reached out to the city of Aurora, including the Governor reaching out to the Mayor, to offer any assistance needed," the governor's office told the Denver Gazette. "When Governor Polis met with Mayor Coffman in late July, we were informed that the city did not have a strong criminal case yet and the state offered dedicated investigative support in the form of Troopers and CBI agents to work cases, and DHSEM provided analysts to support investigations to identify and arrest known criminal gang elements."

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Aurora apartment owner confirms Venezuelan gang takeovers — releases shocking evidence of bloody assault



CBZ Management, a company that owns a number of apartment complexes in Colorado, broke its silence on Friday, confirming that the vicious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua has taken over several properties.

The company started an account on X to share its side of the story after many local officials and the media reported that the claims of TDA's takeover were overblown.

'Yes, gangs did take control of our apartment complexes in Aurora, Colorado, and the government did nothing. That is the real story.'

Rumors of the transnational gang's expanded presence in the area became seemingly undeniable in late August when Cindy Romero, a former tenant at the Edge at Lowry, a property owned by CBZ, released a video showing a group of armed men storming through the complex, Blaze News previously reported. Another video the then-tenant captured showed a man using a hammer to destroy the deadbolt lock on the same apartment unit.

Cindy Romero and her husband, Edward, were desperate to leave the complex, saying it had become "a nightmare" since the gang had moved in. Aurora City Council member Danielle Jurinsky ultimately helped find the Romeros another place to live.

At the time, Jurinksy told Fox News Digital that it was "like pulling teeth to get anyone, the media, other elected officials ... to acknowledge the presence of this trend and to acknowledge that there is even a problem."

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) called the TDA invasion "largely a feature of Danielle Jurinsky's imagination."

CBZ explained that it had begun managing the Colorado properties in 2019, and, at that time, the apartments "were in poor condition." The company aimed to renovate the complexes and increase their value, noting that the project was "ambitious" and would "take years" to complete.

"Everything was progressing smoothly: property values were rising, and vacancy rates were dropping. It was a win-win for both the owners and the city of Aurora," CBZ wrote in a lengthy thread on X. "Then, the gangs arrived."

In 2023, one of CBZ's representatives was viciously attacked when he attempted to perform an inspection at one of the properties, the company stated. When he arrived, he found "a group of men" inside a three-bedroom apartment that should have been vacated.

"When he refused their $500 bribe to overlook the situation, they brutally attacked him," CBZ wrote.

The company released a short surveillance video of the attack and a photograph taken shortly afterward showing the victim's injuries. In the picture, the representative's face and shirt were covered in blood, and he appeared to have bruising around his eye.

Unfortunately, it did not end there for the CBZ representative, the company said.

"After the attack on our CBZ representative, he began getting threatening text messages," the company continued. "These criminals revealed his home address and his spouse's name."

According to CBZ, law enforcement officials confirmed that those sending the messages and occupying the complexes were TDA members.

"They also mentioned that our situation was just 'a blip on the radar,' as this gang is causing significant problems nationwide," CBZ said.

After effectively taking over three complexes, gang members allegedly presented CBZ with an ultimatum to split the rental income in half or "lose the buildings permanently."

CBZ said it made the decision to withdraw its management team from the properties due to safety concerns.

"Despite the obvious crisis, several city officials refused to acknowledge the reality. Instead, they blamed us, citing 'code violations' as the reason for shutting down our property—violations we couldn't resolve for tenants who weren't even ours," CBZ wrote.

The company claimed that the only violations it did not resolve were those made after the gang took over.

Even after local reports surfaced of authorities arresting 10 confirmed TDA gang members with ties to the apartment takeovers, the media and local officials continued to call others' concerns overblown.

On Sunday, Republican vice presidential nominee, Sen. JD Vance (Ohio), humiliated ABC News anchor Martha Raddatz for trying to downplay the severity of the situation in Aurora. According to Raddatz, former President Donald Trump's claims that TDA has taken over parts of the city have been debunked.

"Do you support Donald Trump making those claims that the Republican mayor says were grossly exaggerated and have hurt the city's identity and sense of safety?" Raddatz asked Vance.

"Martha, you just said the mayor said they were exaggerated. That means there's got to be some element of truth here," Vance responded.

Raddatz interrupted Vance's reply and stated that the TDA takeovers "were limited to a handful of apartment complexes."

"Martha, do you hear yourself?!" Vance fired back. "Only a handful of apartment complexes in America were taken over by Venezuelan gangs, and Donald Trump is the problem and not Kamala Harris' open border?!"

In a post on X, CBZ wrote, "Despite clear evidence, many still deny the reality of the situation, sometimes using us as scapegoats. That's why we are no longer staying silent. We will continue to counter falsehoods with simple facts and evidence."

"Yes, gangs did take control of our apartment complexes in Aurora, Colorado, and the government did nothing. That is the real story," it added.

Cindy Romero told Fox News on Monday that the media's attempts to minimize the situation feel like "a slap in the face."

"How many gangs is OK to have in Aurora? How many properties is OK to take over? How many people, who are citizens paying their bills, is it OK to displace?" Romero asked.

An Aurora representative told the New York Post that CBZ's claims were "exaggerations."

"These delinquent property owners, managers and/or 'investors' conveniently fail to acknowledge that their own bank lenders took them to court in the last few weeks where a judge ordered some of their problematic properties into receivership," the spokesperson stated. "That means a judge has given the legal authority to a third-party receiver to actually manage the properties, and who the property owners will be forced to compensate."

The FBI declined to comment, the Post reported.

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JD Vance embarrasses ABC News anchor for downplaying migrant gang crime to slam Trump — and he gets her to make big admission



Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance was left dumbfounded this weekend when ABC News anchor Martha Raddatz minimized the impact of Venezuelan gangs in Colorado.

An apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado, became the center of national controversy in August after a viral video showed heavily armed men storming through the property. Locals complained that members of the violent Venezuelan street gang Tren de Aragua had taken control of the property.

City leaders, meanwhile, have denied that any part of Aurora has been take over. However, at least one person seen in the viral video at the apartment complex has reportedly admitted to being connected to Tren de Aragua. The city, indeed, has an ongoing problem with the gang.

'Only a handful of apartment complexes in America were taken over by Venezuelan gangs, and Donald Trump is the problem and not Kamala Harris' open border?!'

On Sunday, Raddatz demanded that Vance answer for Donald Trump's remarks about the situation.

Trump, according to Raddatz, claims Aurora has "been invaded and conquered by Venezuelan gangs." But, the ABC News host added, Aurora's mayor has denied Trump's assertion.

"Do you support Donald Trump making those claims that the Republican mayor says were grossly exaggerated and have hurt the city's identity and sense of safety?" Raddatz asked Vance.

At first, Vance responded with kid gloves, hinting at his frustration with the question.

"Martha, you just said the mayor said they were exaggerated. That means there's got to be some element of truth here," he pointed out. "Of course, President Trump was actually in Aurora, Colorado, talking to people on the ground, and what we're hearing, of course, Martha, is that people are terrified by what has happened with some of these Venezuelan gangs."

But instead of listening to the issues Vance raised, Raddatz claimed that she knows the truth of what is happening on the ground in Aurora.

"Sen. Vance, I'm going to stop you, because I know exactly what happened. I’m going to stop you," Raddatz boasted. "The incidents were limited to a handful of apartment complexes, and the mayor said our dedicated police officers have acted on those concerns. A handful of problems."

In response, Vance called out Raddatz for downplaying the problems in Aurora.

"Only?! Martha, do you hear yourself?!" Vance shot back. "Only a handful of apartment complexes in America were taken over by Venezuelan gangs, and Donald Trump is the problem and not Kamala Harris' open border?!

"Americans are so fed up with what's going on, and they have every right to be. And I really find this exchange, Martha, sort of interesting because you seem to be more focused with nitpicking everything that Donald Trump has said rather than acknowledging that apartment complexes in the United States of America are being taken over by violent gangs," he continued.

Raddatz, unfortunately, did not offer a substantive response to Vance. Instead, she simply doubled down.

"Let's just end that with they did not invade or take over the city as Donald Trump said," the host said.

"A few apartment complexes, no big deal," Vance snarked.

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‘Do You Hear Yourself’: Vance Blasts ABC Host For Trivializing Violent Gang Invasion

"Only a handful of apartment complexes in America were taken over by Venezuelan gangs, and Donald Trump is the problem and not Kamala Harris' open border?"

Blaze News investigates: Tren de Aragua exploits Colorado's sanctuary policies amid legal firestorm



While the Biden-Harris administration's open border policies have allowed waves of illegal immigrants to resettle in the United States, Colorado's sanctuary policies brought the immigration crisis "right to the doorsteps of communities in the front range," Castle Rock Town Council Member Max Brooks (R) told Blaze News.

Sanctuary policies, including those in Colorado, have prevented local law enforcement officials from cooperating with federal immigration agents, effectively protecting illegal immigrants — including those who have committed crimes after entering the U.S. — by creating massive roadblocks for Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers seeking to detain and deport them. These restrictions have made ICE's work far more dangerous, time-consuming, and expensive.

The state's and Denver's sanctuary policies have acted as magnets for illegal immigrants pouring into the country under the leadership of the Biden-Harris administration, and multiple counties and surrounding municipalities have had enough of dealing with the fallout.

One of the most concerning aspects of the immigration spillover effect happening around the Denver area is the potential spread of the vicious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

TDA heads to Aurora

TDA, a former prison gang that got its start as a railroad labor union in Aragua, Venezuela, has grown into a transnational crime syndicate that has successfully made its way into the U.S. in unknown numbers.

While the Biden-Harris administration maintains that foreign nationals coming into the country are required to undergo advanced vetting processes, the evidence says otherwise.

‘There are several buildings’ that have ‘fallen to these Venezuelan gangs.’

Despite the Venezuelan government's refusal to share its criminal database information with the U.S., the administration launched the CHNV program, which allows 30,000 individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the country each month.

The federal government also extended Temporary Protected Status to Venezuelan nationals on the basis that they cannot "safely" return to their country of origin, citing "a severe humanitarian emergency due to a political and economic crisis, as well as human rights violations and abuses and high levels of crime and violence, that impacts access to food, medicine, healthcare, water, electricity, and fuel, and has led to high levels of poverty," according a Federal Register notice.

It also noted that the country has "experienced heavy rainfall" in 2023 that caused flooding and landslides — issues that the federal government claimed "contribute to the country's existing challenges."

According to the notice, one of the reasons for granting TPS status to Venezuelan nationals is because the country has the "highest rates of violent deaths in the world," in large part due to "organized gangs."

Meanwhile, these federal programs and the administration's catch-and-release policies at the border have allowed millions of Venezuelans to take up residence in the U.S. Even more concerning, vetting of these individuals is limited to U.S. crime databases and INTERPOL.

As a result, TDA has been able to expand its influence into America, and more specifically, appearing to congregate in sanctuary jurisdictions that will further protect its gang members from any of the federal government's deportation efforts.

The immigration crisis' impact on Aurora, which is not a sanctuary city, received national attention after reports that TDA gangbangers were taking over several apartment complexes. Some local officials initially denied the claims that TDA had gained a foothold in the area, but in August, a surveillance video showed armed men storming through an Aurora apartment complex, Blaze News previously reported.

The video evidence further ignited fears that TDA had conquered parts of the city.

The footage captured five men, four carrying firearms, banging on the door of a residence at the Edge of Lowry. A separate video taken of the same apartment but at a presumably earlier time showed a man taking a hammer to the door's deadbolt lock.

A couple who were former residents at the complex told KDVR that living at the property had turned into "a nightmare" for them, stating that their vehicle was riddled with bullet holes from a shootout that had occurred earlier the same month.

The couple thanked Aurora City Council member Danielle Jurinsky for helping them move out of the complex, which they stated had become home to TDA gang members.

Jurinsky told KDVR at the time that nonprofit organizations in the city had "lined up" to assist the new immigrant arrivals, "but nobody is helping the Americans that are trapped in these apartment complexes."

Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain initially claimed that the investigation into the incident did not find any gang ties.

"There's a lot of limitations, a lot of rules, a lot of regulations that relate to identifying someone as a specific gang member or an affiliate of a gang," Chamberlain explained. "Many of these individuals we're talking about come from a country which does not have a strong relationship with the United States, come from a country that does not have a database that they are going to share."

Despite some local leaders' denial of the gang's influence, Jurinsky insisted that TDA gangbangers had taken over some apartment complexes in the Aurora area.

"In the entire Denver metro area, it has been like pulling teeth to get anyone, the media, other elected officials, to get anyone to acknowledge the presence of this trend and to acknowledge that there is even a problem," she told Fox News Digital shortly after the video went viral.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) outright rejected allegations that TDA gang members had gained a foothold in areas of the state despite the Aurora Police Department forming a special task force to address the gang's presence.

He accused Jurinsky of making claims about TDA created largely out of her own "imagination."

Shelby Wieman, a spokesperson for Polis, told the New York Post, "The governor has already let the mayor know that the state is ready to support the local police department with assistance from state troopers and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation if needed."

"But according to police intelligence, this purported invasion is largely a feature of Danielle Jurinsky's imagination," Wieman said.

While Polis essentially rejected the claims, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman (R) acknowledged that "there are several buildings" that have "fallen to these Venezuelan gangs."

As the weeks passed, the truth about the Edge at Lowry complex and others in the surrounding area started to surface.

A month after the viral surveillance video was released, law enforcement sources revealed to the New York Post that one of the three men arrested in connection with the incident admitted to being a TDA gang member.

Niefred Serpa-Acosta, 20, allegedly told ICE officers that he was affiliated with the gang. He also reportedly has crown tattoos, a symbol frequently associated with TDA.

‘Sanctuary policy does not protect lawful immigrants or United States citizens it only protects criminals.’

All three of the arrested suspects have collected lengthy rap sheets during their time in Colorado, sources told the Post. According to KCNC-TV, approximately 10 minutes after the surveillance footage was captured, the men were allegedly involved in a deadly shooting.

Amid mounting allegations of TDA apartment takeovers, the Aurora Police Department released the mugshots and identities of 10 TDA gang members in mid-September.

Per the department's announcement, roughly five miles away from the Edge at Lowry, several TDA gang members were arrested for incidents that occurred at Whispering Pines Condominium. The alleged crimes included assault, domestic dispute with a weapon, and felony menacing.

The same police bulletin noted that two TDA gang members were detained for alleged crimes at Fitzsimons Place, an apartment complex less than two miles from Edge at Lowry. The suspects were arrested for assault and a nonfatal shooting.

That same week, Mayor Coffman and Council member Jurinsky issued a joint statement "to clear the record about the widely reported presence of Tren de Aragua (TdA) in Aurora and across the metro area."

They explained that "overstated claims" suggested that TDA had taken over the city.

"TdA's presence in Aurora is limited to specific properties," they clarified. "We can also now confirm that criminal activity, including TdA issues, had significantly affected" specific properties in the city.

John Fabbricatore, a retired ICE Denver Field Office director and current Republican congressional candidate for Colorado's 6th District, told Blaze News, "Initially, the gang has been confined to specific areas of the city, but if it is ignored it will spread out further throughout the city and state. Aurora must work with Federal authorities as a force multiplier to gather the information and resources necessary to eradicate this growing threat."

Non-sanctuary jurisdictions push back

Earlier this year, Douglas and El Paso Counties filed a lawsuit against the state and Gov. Polis over their sanctuary policies, specifically Colorado House Bill 19-1124 and 23-1100. The complaint claimed that the bills are "illegal and unconstitutional" because they undermine federal immigration laws and regulations. Furthermore, the counties argued that the unlawful legislation has "create[d] dangerous conditions" for Colorado residents and immigrants.

HB 19-1124 claims to "protect" residents from "federal government overreach" by prohibiting law enforcement from arresting or detaining an individual based on ICE's detainer request. Local law enforcement officers are also barred from providing information about individuals to the federal government. HB 23-1100 banned state and any local government officials from "entering into an agreement for the detention of individuals in an immigration detention facility that is owned, managed, or operated by a private entity."

Fabbricatore told Blaze News that the sanctuary laws have "released criminals onto the streets," many of whom "have reoffended and even committed murder" afterward.

He pointed to one case where an illegal alien, 37-year-old Jose Guadalupe Menjivar-Alas, was arrested for the killing of a Colorado mother and her son. In another case, 19-year-old Ever Valles was accused of robbing and murdering a man after Denver ignored ICE's detainer request.

"Sanctuary needs to stop immediately for the safety of our communities. In my opinion Sanctuary policy does not protect lawful immigrants or United States citizens it only protects criminals," Fabbricatore declared.

He referenced a House Judiciary Committee report, which noted that the recidivism rate was 29% for 10,000 immigrants with ICE detainer requests that were not honored between January and September 2014.

The counties' lawsuit against Colorado and Polis read, "The nation is facing an immigration crisis. The nation, the state, and local governments need to cooperate and share resources to address this crisis. Colorado House Bills 19-1124 and 23-1100 prohibit the necessary cooperation and create dangerous conditions for the State and migrants."

Douglas County commissioners previously stated that other counties may be interested in joining the lawsuit against Colorado.

‘The surrounding communities in the metro area never asked to be part of any asylum seeker programs.’

Shortly after filing the initial lawsuit, District 2 Commissioner George Teal told the "Jeff and Bill Show" that there was a "laundry list of counties and municipalities across the state who are just aching to join us on this," noting that the sanctuary legislation has impacted other police operations around the state.

In May, Douglas County filed an amended lawsuit against Colorado after Elbert, Garfield, Mesa, and Rio Blanco Counties also joined the complaint — representing 25% of the state's population.

Castle Rock, a town within Douglas County approximately 30 miles south of Denver, has also dealt with the consequences of Denver's sanctuary policies that have drawn in large numbers of immigrants.

Castle Rock City Council Member Max Brooks recently put forth a motion to instruct the town's attorney to consider a similar lawsuit against Denver. The motion passed 7-0 in September.

"The Town of Castle Rock, through Town Council, issued a declaration of support for the lawsuit filed by Douglas County against the state regarding the prohibition of local law enforcement speaking/coordinating directly with ICE," Brooks told Blaze News. "Because Castle Rock has no municipally funded/run detention facilities we are unable to prove standing so we may actually join their lawsuit."

"The declaration was the best we could do as a Council to voice very strong support of the County's lawsuit," Brooks continued. "We remain very strong supporters of our local and county law enforcement and encourage them to perform their duties to every extent they can in order to catch criminals and put them in jail. I am personally deeply opposed to any effort whatsoever to hamper our law enforcement from performing their public safety duties to protect our residents of Castle Rock and Douglas County."

When asked whether he had seen evidence of TDA's infiltration beyond Denver and Aurora into the Castle Rock area, Brooks told Blaze News that the state's sanctuary legislation makes identifying someone's immigration status and country of origin "much more difficult."

"While we have not directly seen evidence of TdA here in Castle Rock, I believe it is irresponsible for any local government to 'hope for the best' when we already have irrefutable facts showing nearly 45,000 illegal migrants have been brought to Denver, that the vast majority of those migrants are Venezuelan, that there is virtually ZERO vetting of migrants at the border, and that there is a TdA element active in Aurora," Brooks explained.

He noted that at one point, city leaders in Aurora also had "zero evidence of TdA activity but now find their city in a vastly different situation."

Brooks stated that organized retail theft rings have been more frequently targeting stores in Castle Rock, creating "a very large issue for big box retailers."

Additionally, Brooks pointed to a motor vehicle theft ring that the Douglas County Sheriff's Office recently busted. In late August, the department announced that, following multiple investigations, it arrested 11 individuals with suspected ties to the thefts. Among those arrested were three Venezuelan nationals and a Columbian national.

"The surrounding communities in the metro area never asked to be part of any asylum seeker programs, and Denver's own decisions are negatively impacting neighboring communities," Brooks told Blaze News.

He called for the funding of such programs to end.

"Washington has failed us, but so has Colorado and Denver following suit with dedicating $90 million in funding for asylum programs," he continued. "Illegal migrants continue to flow into Denver, despite the decrease and their desperate PR attempts to show executive order efficacy at the border."

“The number one concern I hear from constituents is public safety, tied directly to illegal migration. The Biden/Harris administration began this travesty, but the state of Colorado and city of Denver brought it right to the doorsteps of communities in the front range."

Suspect admits Tren de Aragua ties after viral video shows him with armed group at Aurora apartment: Report



A man recently admitted to law enforcement that he is a member of the gang Tren de Aragua after he was reportedly caught on surveillance footage storming through a Colorado apartment complex with several other armed individuals, according to a New York Post report.

In August, a viral video showed a group of five men, four of whom were carrying firearms, banging on the door to a residence at the Edge at Lowry, an apartment complex in Aurora, Blaze News previously reported.

Former residents and locals have sounded the alarm about TDA gang members taking over the property after Venezuelan nationals started moving in. TDA members have also reportedly expanded their presence to other apartments in the Aurora area.

Three men were arrested in connection with the August video. One of those individuals has reportedly confessed to being a TDA gang member, law enforcement sources told the Post.

Three other men who were captured in the video have not yet been identified.

During an interview with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, 20-year-old Niefred Serpa-Acosta allegedly admitted to being in TDA. Sources also told the Post that Serpa-Acosta has crown tattoos, a symbol frequently associated with the gang.

Aurora police Chief Todd Chamberlain has claimed that the department's investigation into the incident has not found any gang ties.

"There's a lot of limitations, a lot of rules, a lot of regulations that relate to identifying someone as a specific gang member or an affiliate of a gang," Chamberlain said. "Many of these individuals we're talking about come from a country which does not have a strong relationship with the United States, come from a country that does not have a database that they are going to share."

All three of the suspects have lengthy rap sheets in the state, according to sources.

KCNC-TV previously reported that the men were also involved in a deadly shooting approximately 10 minutes after the surveillance footage was captured.

There is currently no confirmed evidence that the two other arrested suspects — 25-year-old Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco and 21-year-old Naudi Lopez Fernandez — are affiliated with the gang.

Sources told the Post that Zambrano-Pacheco and Lopez Fernandez crossed illegally into the U.S. and were quickly released by border authorities. Since they have been in the country, they have been arrested multiple times.

Acosta was reportedly arrested at least three times for theft, and, on one of those occasions, he was also charged with resisting arrest and obstructing an officer, according to the Post's sources. He is currently in ICE custody.

The Aurora Police Department and ICE did not respond to a request for comment from the Post.

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