Facing rising crime from the migrant gang Tren de Aragua, Aurora, Colorado, has decided to boost its police budget by $10 million.
At a Glance
- Aurora experiences significant crime issues from the Tren de Aragua gang.
- The city will increase its police budget by $10 million.
- Retail theft is on the rise, leading businesses to hire private security.
- City officials consider legal actions against Denver and the state for sanctuary laws.
Addressing the Crime Wave
Aurora, Colorado, a suburb of Denver, is struggling with a surge in crime due to the migrant gang Tren de Aragua. This gang has infiltrated the community by taking over apartment units and engaging in frequent shootouts. The escalating lawlessness has compelled local businesses to invest in private security for protection, as retail theft rates have escalated sharply.
To tackle these issues head-on, the city has decided to increase its police budget by $10 million for the next fiscal year. This hefty boost marks a significant allocation, amounting to 30% of the city’s budget. Aurora Police Department, currently understaffed, will benefit from additional resources directed towards improving staffing, response times, and situational awareness using advanced technology. The aim is to ensure better law and order across the city.
UPDATE: The city and Aurora Police Department, as previously stated, established a special task force in collaboration with other local, state and federal partners to specifically address concerns about Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) and other criminal activity affecting… pic.twitter.com/ytAhIcBxy0
— Aurora Police Dept (@AuroraPD) August 28, 2024
Community Concerns and Reactions
Doug McMurrain, a local business owner, expressed frustration, indicating that he now carries multiple weapons for personal protection. “I carry a weapon, multiple weapons and I’ve never had to carry a weapon in my life,” he told CBS Denver.
The underfunded and understaffed police department has struggled to keep up with patrols and effectively manage the growing crime. “Right now, we are not at our full complement of officers,” Chief Todd Chamberlain said. “Our patrol is impacted by understaffing issues.”
Government Action and Future Steps
City officials are also considering legal actions against Denver, the state of Colorado, and Governor Jared Polis for their sanctuary laws. These laws are seen by many as contributing to the unchecked migrant flow and subsequent rise in crime. Aurora is prioritizing law enforcement in its proposed $125 million budget increase, alongside adding new positions and investing in better technology to control the situation.
“I want to be able to have our officers have a clear understanding of what they are responding to before they even get there,” he said. “I want to see where our crimes are occurring, when they’re occurring and who they are occurring to.”
Though there has been criticism and concerns about the increased police funding, Chief Chamberlain has indicated plans to have a joint community meeting to address these issues and improve community trust.
However, there are conflicting viewpoints. Former President Donald Trump claimed gangs from Venezuela had taken over Aurora during a debate, while Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman refuted these claims, calling them grossly exaggerated and disappointing. Coffman clarified that while gang activities are present, they are limited to specific properties and that Aurora Police Department has been actively addressing the problems.
“These immigrants were living in squalid conditions. Exposed wiring, black mold, roofs collapsing and stuff that is not safe for anybody,” said Crow.
This budget increase marks a crucial step towards addressing the rising crime in Aurora and ensuring the safety of its residents and businesses.
