JD Vance, a candidate for Vice President, maintains the stance that the era of sanctuary cities should come to a close, given the present case of Aurora, Colorado, that is struggling with criminal activities perpetrated by a gang from Venezuela. Aurora’s dilemma arose when immigrant gangs alleged to have seized control of a housing complex in the outskirts of Denver. Suspected members from the Tren de Aragua gang are known to have imposed ‘protection’ rent on the residents of an Aurora apartment building.
“It is crucial to send back all unauthorized immigrants residing in our cities and towns, and we need to collaborate both on local and national levels with law enforcement to facilitate this process,” states Vance. He emphasized that actions like these ought to be considered against federal laws, insisting that we should be ready to wield the financial power of the federal government to enforce compliance.
Vance proposed that if any city is unwilling to collaborate in deporting violent criminals, federal financial resources should be restricted. He argued that the principle of sanctuary cities must be dissolved for its contribution to poor and unsafe living conditions in the communities. His view is that a sanctuary status for cities results in a detrimental socio-economic impact on local communities.
John Kellner, the District Attorney for Arapahoe County, Colorado, representing Aurora, confirmed that local authorities are working hard on the case. An inter-agency task force is currently probing into the activities of the Tren de Aragua gang, he noted. Kellner reassured local residents that they have been successful in the past in holding equivalent criminals accountable.
According to Kellner, the police are actively in the process of identifying the individuals involved in the occupancy of the Aurora apartment building and their possible involvement in other illegal activities. He emphasised, “This situation is very real, and it certainly isn’t a figment of one’s imagination or a case of disinformation.” This statement was made after the state governor downplayed the predicament in Aurora.
Reflecting on the broader implications, Kellner pointed out, “Cities around the country, even those geographically distant from our borders, are grappling with the effects of a flawed border policy and an inherently porous southern boundary.” These tensions at play underscore the critical need for a robust border policy, adds Kellner.
Jared Polis, the Democratic Governor of Colorado had previously dismissed the uproar over a video that showed what seemed to be armed Venezuelan gang members residing in a city apartment complex, attributing it to ‘imagination.’ Despite mounting evidence, Governor Polis chose to deny the gravity of the situation.
In the face of the governor’s denial, Aurora City Council member Danielle Jurinsky expressed her extreme disappointment. She criticized the governor’s dismissive stance regarding such a serious issue, reflecting a significant disconnect between local and state perspectives.
According to statistics from the city, Denver, a sanctuary city, has accommodated over 42,000 migrants in the past, which has resulted in a cost upwards of $72 million. This inflow of migrants into sanctuary cities, often lacking in resources and infrastructure to accommodate such a large influx, poses significant challenges.
As recent as it comes, the Tren de Aragua gang came into the limelight when it was discovered that the sibling of the suspect behind the murder of Georgia student Laken Riley, had connections to this gang. Both individuals involved in the case are unauthorized immigrants from Venezuela.
In a noteworthy development, the Treasury recently identified Tren de Aragua as a significant transnational criminal organization. The institution has also proffered financial rewards for anyone that can assist in the conviction of its three top leaders. This move reflects an escalated response from the U.S. Government in dealing with the menace from this Venezuelan gang.