Federal Raids Target Venezuelan Gang Members in Aurora, Colorado

Federal officers conducted extensive raids in Aurora, Colorado, targeting alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, involving multiple agencies including ICE, FBI, and DEA. The operation aimed to detain over 100 gang members, raising concerns among local officials and residents about its impact on immigrant safety and the community's stability. Critics, including Denver's Mayor and Governor, condemned the raids as inflammatory and questioned the federal government’s transparency and timing. Although ICE has not confirmed the number of arrests, eyewitness accounts described aggressive tactics, including door-to-door searches and the use of flash-bangs at apartment complexes. This operation aligns with ongoing federal efforts to address gang violence in cities like Aurora, which has recently been at the center of immigration policy discussions amid heightened political rhetoric. Local reports suggest a backlash against the portrayal of Aurora as overrun by gangs, with officials disputing claims about Tren de Aragua's influence in the area.