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Colorado mayor speaks out after video of armed Venezuelan gang in apartment goes viral: 'Failed policy'
Mayor Mike Coffman of Aurora, Colorado joined “America Reports” on Thursday after surveillance footage showing armed Venezuelan gang members in an apartment complex went viral online.
Coffman confirmed that at least two apartment buildings within the city limits have been overtaken by Venezuelan gangs.
VIDEO SHOWS ARMED GANG AT TROUBLED COLORADO APARTMENT BUILDING BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN TAKEN OVER BY MIGRANTS
The mayor also admitted on-air that “Cookie Monster,” a Tren de Aragua gang leader, “has been apprehended.”
“This is an organized criminal effort. Whether it’s trend, a drug war, that remains to be to be seen,” said Coffman.
The mayor’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment concerning the organized crime efforts of Tren de Aragua in the Aurora area.
Former Congressman and current Mayor of Aurora, Colorado Mike Coffman joined “America Reports” on Thursday to update the nation on Venezuelan gangs in his city. (Larry French/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
“So there are several buildings actually under the same ownership, out of state ownership, that have, fallen to, these Venezuelan gangs. I’m trying to walk it back and do the, and do the investigation as to how there’s a concentration of Venezuelans, in these, these three buildings,” said Coffman.
“Somebody put them there and somebody funded it, whether it’s federal government or not, we’re trying to find out who, these gangs apparently, or attracted to where there’s a concentration of, of, Venezuelan migrants. And so, they’ve, in fact, have kind of pushed out the property management through intimidation and then, collected the rents,” he added.
VENEZUELAN GANG TREN DE ARAGUA GIVES ‘GREEN LIGHT’ TO MEMBERS TO ATTACK COPS: OFFICIALS
An anonymous former resident of one of the apartment buildings confirmed to Fox News Digital on Wednesday that members of Tren de Aragua have collected rent from residents in at least one overrun complex.
Mayor Coffman claims the city of Aurora is “a victim” of federal policy and nearby Denver’s sanctuary city policy.
“[This is] not our problem, federal problem or issue. They need to resolve it. Not us. But somehow we got sucked into this,” said Coffman.
Alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang have overtaken an apartment building in Aurora, Colorado, charging rent in exchange for ‘protection.’ (Edward Romero)
“I think we’re a victim of a failed policy at the southern border because, what you have, I, Venezuelan, does not according to to my law enforcement, Venezuela does not cooperate with the United States in sharing criminal histories. You had a third of the country leave,” said Coffman.
“You’ve had these massive waves of migrants coming across the border that many of them crossed the border illegally, were arrested, asked for a political asylum, were not adequately vetted, were released into the country, the city of Aurora. We did everything we could to, quite frankly, keep them out of out of the city because it’s not our problem. This is a federal problem,” the mayor asserted.
The apartment building has been completely overrun by the alleged gang members, including changing the locks, according to one resident. (Council member Danielle Jurinsky)
One Aurora mom has gone viral for her video claiming that she doesn’t feel safe taking her children to public parks in the area anymore given the presence of Venezuelan gangs.
“This is terrifying. And I understand they’re coming here for a better life, but at the same time, is this life getting any better when you’re bringing what was there here?” she asked.
Aurora PD has not released any new statements since their social media post via X on Wednesday on the situation, calling it “isolated.”
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Coffman formerly served as congressman for Colorado’s 6th District as a Republican from 2009 through 2019.
Dallas, TX
Southwest lays off about 75 employees in latest restructuring move
Miami, FL
Mark Matthews Announces Commitment – Chooses Between Georgia, Miami, and Others
One of the most highly touted offensive line prospects in the 2027 recruiting class has recently announced their college commitment.
As the summer months begin in the college football offseason, recruiting efforts and momentum around programs are higher than ever as coaches look to add as many talented players as they can to their upcoming recruiting classes.
With so much happening in the next few weeks, many prospects are beginning to shut down their recruitments and make their commitments known. The latest player to do so is offensive lineman Mark Matthews, one of the highest ranked players in the 2027 class.
According to 247Sports, Matthews stands at just over 6-foot-5 and weighs 300 pounds. The offensive lineman has been heavily recruited by programs such as Miami, Georgia, and Texas A&M, as well as many other notable programs.
Despite the efforts of many, Matthews elected to announce his commitment to Mike Elko and the Texas A&M Aggies. His decision is a massive victory on the recruiting trail for A&M and will likely have immediate benefits once he arrives on campus next fall.
What Mark Matthews’ Commitment Means for the Georgia Bulldogs
Offensive line prospects are always a major commodity for the Bulldogs, no matter the class. While the Dawgs put forth massive efforts in Matthews’ recruitment, the staff seems to have fallen just short of adding a massive piece.
While this outcome is certainly disappointing, the Bulldogs still have a handful of extremely talented offensive line prospects currently committed. The Dawgs are also set to host their annual “scavenger hunt” recruiting trip this weekend, which will almost certainly lead to some commitments.
As the summer months continue, Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs’ staff will be diligently working to add as many talented players as possible to their 2027 recruiting class. The Dawgs typically pick up momentum during this time of year, and will likely have a handful of commitments in the following weeks.
Georgia Football 2027 Recruiting Class:
- Kemon Spell, RB
- Jaxon Dollar, TE
- Kelsey Adams, OT
- Ty Johnson, OT
- Abraham Eisenhower, OL
- Noah Parker, RB
- Temorris Campbell Jr., LB
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