Governor Polis faces backlash over Tren de Aragua’s rise in Aurora

In response to concerns about the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua taking control of buildings in Aurora, Colorado, Governor Jared Polis described the claims as “imagination.”

Polis spokesperson Shelby Wieman said, “The governor has already informed the mayor that the state is prepared to support local law enforcement with assistance from state agents and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation if needed,” and dismissed the concerns as part of Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky’s imagination.

However, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman has acknowledged that several buildings are gang-controlled, drawing a connection to the city’s status as a sanctuary city that has made it a magnet for migrants.

Recent evidence brought to light by The New York Post has implicated Jhonardy Jose Pacheco-Chirino, aka “Galleta,” as a key gang member involved in criminal activity and apartment takeovers. Despite Governor Polis’ office downplaying the situation, they have remained on standby to help combat the gang’s influence, citing a decline in violent crime and emphasizing the state’s support for Aurora.

The administration’s approach coincides with Polis’ broader sanctuary policy for Colorado, which aims to facilitate the integration of migrants. Challenges remain, however, with the apparent control of Tren de Aragua in Aurora, recognized as a transnational criminal organization by the Biden administration, adding to local security concerns.