Aurora, Colorado, a Denver suburb, is facing escalating crime issues. The migrant gang Tren de Aragua has infiltrated the area, taking over apartment units and engaging in violent shootouts. Business owners are reporting a spike in retail theft, leading them to invest in private security measures.
As a response to the rising crime rates, the city of Aurora has decided to increase the budget for the Aurora Police Department by $10 million for the upcoming year to hire additional officers. This move comes as the city grapples with crime spillover from the neighboring sanctuary city, Denver.
Aurora has allocated over $165 million, which accounts for 30% of next year’s budget, towards law enforcement, according to city officials.
Chief Todd Chamberlain of the Aurora Police Department expressed concerns about the current staffing levels, stating, “Right now, we are not at our full complement of officers. Our patrol is impacted by understaffing issues,” in an interview with CBS New York.
Tren de Aragua, a gang originating from Venezuelan prisons, has spread its criminal activities across various cities in the US, including murder, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. The gang has been under scrutiny with at least 100 criminal investigations conducted in recent months.
Aside from Tren de Aragua, business owners are also grappling with security challenges. One business owner shared his experience of having to employ private guards to combat shoplifting incidents due to a lack of police response.
Doug McMurrain, owner of La Plaza retail outlet, revealed the daily struggles he faces with crime, stating, “I carry a weapon, multiple weapons and I’ve never had to carry a weapon in my life,” during an interview with CBS Denver.
He expressed hope that the increased funding for law enforcement would lead to quicker responses from the police when needed.
Frustrated city officials are considering the possibility of legal action against Denver, the state of Colorado, and Democrat Gov. Jared Polis for their policies that have facilitated unchecked migrant influx and hindered local governments from aiding federal authorities in combating migrant-related crimes.
Several Colorado counties have already initiated lawsuits against Polis and the state.
