Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding reports of gang activity in Aurora, Colorado. Hearing directly from constituents is one of the most important parts of my job and provides me with valuable feedback to better represent our community.
Earlier this summer, rumors began circulating that a Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua (TdA), had seized control of an apartment complex in Aurora and “taken over” areas of the city. This rumor was also circulated by the owner of the apartment complex and subsequently amplified by local officials and political candidates.
Aurora Police Department has since confirmed that these (Trump's) claims are false and confirmed there is no gang takeover in any part of Aurora. Current gang activity is consistent with trends across Colorado and law enforcement is working together with the community to address isolated gang activity. The Aurora Police Department has also established a task force with federal, state, and local partners to address concerns related to TdA and other gang activity.
The residential building at the center of the false claims has since been condemned due to the squalid and unsafe living conditions maintained by the building’s owner, including exposed wiring, black mold, and collapsing roofs. This condemnation was not a result of gang activity but the next step in a long history of complaints regarding substandard conditions at the apartment complex.
Those distorting this issue have only made it harder for law enforcement to do their job. I've met and spoken with federal law enforcement and local leaders and confirmed that gang issues are being grossly exaggerated and misrepresented. Violent crime is going down in the metro area and Aurora remains a thriving community and wonderful place to raise a family.
This issue has been distorted in service of an anti-immigrant agenda, incited dangerous rhetoric against our immigrant community, and made it harder for the residents impacted by poor living conditions to find suitable housing. To be clear, those aiming to capitalize on the issues facing our community have not made commitments to address or bolster our community's response to youth violence, housing insecurity, or refugee resettlement.
Today, I represent one of the most diverse districts in Colorado. The 6th District is home to over 120,000 immigrants and our community is stronger and more vibrant because of our diversity. As your representative, it is my responsibility to provide an honest accounting of events in our district, and I appreciate your outreach.
I encourage you to keep contacting me about issues that are important to you. Please sign up for our newsletter at crow.house.gov/updates to stay up to date on how I am representing you in Congress.
Sincerely,
Jason Crow
