In a significant law enforcement operation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with federal agencies including the FBI, DEA, ATF, and U.S. Marshals, conducted a raid targeting over 100 alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua in Aurora, Colorado. The operation involved agents going door-to-door in an apartment complex to apprehend suspects.
Acting ICE Director Caleb Vitello emphasized the necessity of the raid, citing a lack of cooperation from local authorities. He stated, “Unfortunately we have to come to the communities because we don’t get the cooperation that we need from the jails. It would be so much easier and so much safer for our officers and agents if we could take these people into custody from a safe environment. But if we have to come out in the community to do this, that’s what we’re going to do.”
Time and again, criminal aliens prey on their own communities with sanctuary policies, knowing they’re free to commit crimes without repercussion. ICE & its partners @FBI @DEAHQ @CBP @ATFHQ & @USMarshalsHQ are in Aurora, Colo., today to remove this very real public safety threat. pic.twitter.com/L0KtxySl0f
— ERO Denver (@ERODenver) February 5, 2025
This operation is part of a broader initiative under President Donald Trump’s administration to intensify immigration enforcement and address criminal activities associated with illegal immigration. The administration has prioritized the removal of individuals deemed threats to public safety, particularly those involved in gang-related activities.
The raid in Aurora follows previous actions targeting Tren de Aragua members in the area. In January, federal agents arrested nearly 50 individuals associated with the gang at a makeshift nightclub in Aurora, seizing drugs, weapons, and cash.
Local officials have expressed concerns about the gang’s presence. Aurora City Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky highlighted issues with gang members taking over apartment complexes, leading to safety concerns for residents. However, some state officials have downplayed these concerns, suggesting that reports of the gang’s influence may be exaggerated.
The recent raid underscores the federal government’s commitment to addressing gang-related activities and enforcing immigration laws, particularly in jurisdictions where local cooperation is limited.