At some point after former President Donald Trump mentioned gangs from Venezuela had taken over Aurora in his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman says it is time to be clear about precisely what is occurring within the metropolis he serves.
“It is grossly exaggerated, when it comes to what the present scenario is- and really disappointing,” mentioned Coffman. “The impression is that the town was overrun, you understand, by prison gangs. By immigrants, and Venezuelan gangs. And positively, that’s not the case.”
CBS
On Wednesday the mayor, police, metropolis council and metropolis supervisor launched a joint assertion saying that the prison gangs from Venezuela haven’t “taken over” the town. They are saying the gang’s presence in Aurora is proscribed to particular properties, and that they’ve been addressing the issue for months.
“Aurora Police Division has been engaged on these points. There’s been arrests made,” mentioned Coffman.
Aurora police launched the names of 10 recognized gang members. They’ve arrested eight and the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Division has arrested one. A few of these gang members had been concerned in crime on the two condo complexes in query, however Coffman says he is not certain the gang ever took over the buildings.
“We all know there was a presence, that we consider was gang-related. And that presence, triggered the property managers to be involved about their security and depart the property, that we all know, occurred. However past that, it turns into questionable,” mentioned Coffman.
Congressman Jason Crow, who represents a lot of Aurora, agrees that the problem is being overblown by individuals who have an anti-immigrant agenda, and says this situation is about offering protected housing for folks in Aurora as a result of that can deter crime.
CBS
“These immigrants had been dwelling in squalid situations. Uncovered wiring, black mould, roofs collapsing and stuff that’s not protected for anyone,” mentioned Crow.
Coffman agrees that cleansing up the buildings will assist be sure criminals do not return.
“We have now advised the proprietor of the property that they both need to assume management of the property and begin offering primary companies like trash removing, or the constructing’s going to have to shut. That is not what we wish,” mentioned Coffman.
Coffman says he even provided to station police on the seemingly deserted condo buildings for defense, however he says he hasn’t heard again from the house owners. Within the meantime, Coffman says the residents who do stay are withholding hire as a type of protest for the situations they dwell in. The mayor says he would not blame them.
