Controversy over Aurora Colorado's Venezuelan band

Colorado officials have reportedly agreed to drop all charges against the landlord of the heavily debated Aspen Grove apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado, at the center of a violent Venezuelan gang controversy. According to records obtained by the Denver Gazette, the agreement involved the release of dozens of charges against the landlord for property maintenance issues.

Charges Part of Viral Incident

The charges against the landlord related to another property and were sparked by a viral video depicting members of the Tren de Aragua (TdA), a notorious Venezuelan migrant gang, violently taking over an apartment with heavy weaponry. As part of the agreement, the landlord is set to waive his right to a speedy trial and Nome Partners LLC, the property management, agreed to either sell or lease the property and cover up to $60,000 in cleanup costs, as reported by 9News.

The landlord's company attributed the TdA gang takeover to the decline of conditions at the Aspen Grove apartments. An investor remarked to the Denver Post that the police had knowledge of the gang problem for nearly a year. In letters obtained by the Denver Gazette, the investor alleged that the gang had "forcibly taken control" of the property, prompting attempts to engage local officials and even seek off-duty police officers for security, requests allegedly declined by the Aurora Police Department.

Political Responses and Legislative Action

Political figures are responding to the illegal immigrant gang presence and potential solutions. Rep. Greg Lopez, R-Colo., is urging the Biden administration to address the issue and has introduced a bill to combat migrant gangs. If passed, the bill would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary to issue detainers for migrants known to be affiliated with gangs. This is part of a larger effort by House Republicans following reports of crimes committed by illegal immigrants across various U.S. cities and towns.