South
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
Eight arrested after repeated attempts to enter World Cup matches without tickets
Despite heightened security around World Cup matches at Dallas Stadium, Arlington police say eight people have now been arrested for attempting to enter games without tickets.
The latest arrests occurred Saturday during the Argentina vs. Jordan match. NBC 5 Investigates found similar incidents have happened multiple times during the tournament.
Police said all eight people arrested have been charged with criminal trespass.
On Saturday, Arlington police arrested 32-year-old New Zealand national Catalina Gambadoro, 26-year-old Argentine national Alejo Melgar and 18-year-old Kareem Kakour, who has an Indiana address.
According to police, the three were apprehended quickly and did not make it inside the stadium. However, police said at least four people arrested this month were able to gain access to the venue before being caught.
NBC 5 Investigates obtained police reports detailing arrests made on June 22 during the Argentina vs. Austria match.
According to the reports:
• Gerardo Nielsen, 46, of Cordoba, Spain, and Juan Ignacio Campoamor, 35, of Hollywood, Florida, unlawfully entered AT&T Stadium property without effective consent. Police said both had noticed that entry without a ticket was prohibited and pushed through a hole in a fence to gain access.
• Leandro Ayala, 46, of Buenos Aires, Argentina, allegedly jumped a fence to gain access to AT&T Stadium without purchasing a ticket. Police said he entered the property without the owner’s effective consent despite notice that entry without a ticket was prohibited.
• Federico Llach, 45, of Plano, allegedly crossed ticketed barriers and trespassed into AT&T Stadium.
Earlier in the tournament, on June 14, police arrested Ryan King, 39, during the Japan vs. Netherlands match. According to a police report, King attempted to climb a security fence and enter the stadium before it opened to the public.
Officers quickly located and arrested him. The report states that officers determined he intended to watch the match without purchasing a ticket.
Security measures at the stadium include vehicle barriers, metal fencing around the perimeter, and a heavy police presence at entry checkpoints.
After the initial arrests, Arlington police said they were reviewing security procedures. It remains unclear whether any security changes have been implemented following the additional arrests.
Miami, FL
Reports: Heat add potent bench scorer in Tim Hardaway Jr.
Tim Hardaway Jr. averaged 13.5 points and shot 40.7% on 3-pointers last year in his first season with the Denver Nuggets.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has a new wingman in Miami.
ESPN, NBA on Prime and The Athletic reported Tuesday that Tim Hardaway Jr. will sign with the Miami Heat. ESPN reported that the deal is for one year and $6.5 million for Hardaway Jr., one of the league’s most dangerous long-range shooters.
Hardaway agreed to a one-year, $6.5 million deal with the Heat, sources said. Miami officials finalized the deal with Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tonight. https://t.co/c47Tx4D1KX
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2026
Hardaway Jr. averaged 13.5 points per game and shot 40.7% on 3-pointers last year in his first season with the Denver Nuggets. He led all reserves with 205 3-pointers made last year and was awarded a third-place finish in the league’s 6th Man of the Year Award.
The 34-year-old swingman, son of Hall of Fame point guard Tim Hardaway, has played for five teams in his 13-year career. Hardaway Jr. is a career 36.5% shooter on 3-pointers, and he’s averaged 2.3 3s made per game in 893 career games.
Atlanta, GA
FIFA Fan Festival Atlanta bracing for huge crowds, high heat
ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – General admission tickets to FIFA Fan Festival Atlanta are sold out as temperatures hover in the 90s, with organizers urging attendees to prepare for the heat ahead of a packed Wednesday schedule.
Three matches are scheduled for Wednesday, including a U.S. Men’s National Team match in the evening, as the World Cup continues in the knockout stage. The festival at Centennial Olympic Park has welcomed nearly 400,000 visitors since the start of the tournament.
What fans should know before they go
Organizers are advising fans to wear light, loose clothing and bring hats. Neck fans are permitted, as are plastic water bottles without labels. The park opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m. Wednesday.
“We are aware of the heat index and we want to make sure people are comfortable and safe within the park,” said Chincie Mouton, Director of Sports Engagement & Community Impact for the Georgia World Congress Center Authority.
Shaded areas, a splash pad at the Fountain of Rings, and water filling stations are available throughout the park. Some of those water stations are supplied by Third Rock Sanitation Solutions, a family-owned company based in Alpharetta.
“We believe we are absolutely life support here, because water is essential for all of us,” said Mark Slade with Third Rock Sanitation Solutions, based in Alpharetta.
The stations provide chilled, filtered water across the park.
“Without the water, let’s face it, there would be people dehydrated, falling out, there would be several problems. So, being part of that, it’s a really good feeling, heartfelt feeling,” Slade said.
Paramedics on standby
Paramedics and safety crews will be on hand should anyone become overwhelmed by the heat, organizers said.
Jason Walker and his son traveled from England to see England play Congo in Atlanta. The match will be held indoors at Atlanta Stadium. Walker said the outdoor heat was already noticeable upon arrival.
“I’m obviously suffering from it at the moment, it’s extremely hot at the moment,” Walker said.
All five remaining days of the Fan Festival are sold out for free tickets. Some paid tickets remain available. Organizers will stop admitting fans once capacity is reached — a threshold that has been hit during U.S. games being played at the park. Early arrival is encouraged.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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