Colorado’s “sanctuary city” status is facing a reckoning as Venezuelan gangs infiltrate communities, turning Denver into what some call their “American headquarters.”
Democrats can’t ignore this madness for much longer.
At a glance:
• Denver Mayor Mike Johnston was grilled by House Republicans for providing “safe harbor” to violent Venezuelan gangs
• The notorious Tren de Aragua gang has established a growing presence in Colorado, taking over apartment complexes
• Colorado’s sanctuary policies limit local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities
• Johnston announced $45 million for migrant programs while facing accusations of cutting police budgets
• Republican District Attorney George Brauchler warns Venezuelan gangs are “far from a fake problem” in Colorado
Denver Under Siege: Venezuelan Gangs Exploit Sanctuary Policies
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston faced intense questioning from Republican lawmakers during a recent House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing about the city’s handling of Venezuelan gangs. The contentious exchange highlighted growing concerns that Denver’s sanctuary policies have created an inviting environment for Tren de Aragua, a notorious Venezuelan gang classified as a foreign terrorist organization under the Trump administration.
When Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer directly asked, “Mayor Johnston, is Denver a sanctuary city?”, Johnston avoided a direct answer, stating: “A lot of folks use that term… differently. I can tell you what Denver does. We do not…” This prompted Comer to interrupt, “Okay, I’ll take that as a yes.”
See video showing a migrant gang terrorizing an apartment complex.
Then watch The National Desk's Kristine Frazao report on how the migrant crisis has deeply impacted communities across the country: https://t.co/9Pp0ZYVVBG pic.twitter.com/RueuCc30VB— The National Desk (@TND) August 29, 2024
Evidence of the gang’s growing influence has been documented in multiple Colorado communities, particularly in Aurora, where they’ve reportedly taken over apartment complexes. Republican Colorado Rep. Gabe Evans didn’t hold back about the situation, declaring: “The illegal immigrant gang Tren de Aragua targeted Denver to be their American HQ because of weak immigration laws.”
Fed-up suburbs look to sue Denver after sanctuary city welcomed 42,000 migrants — and the gang Tren de Aragua — to Colorado | NY Post
Fed-up Denver suburbs are looking to sue their big sanctuary city neighbor and the state government after suffering strained budgets and crime… pic.twitter.com/9hFmw3tML9
— Owen Gregorian (@OwenGregorian) September 16, 2024
Law Enforcement Handcuffed by Democrat Policies
Colorado’s 23rd Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler has become a vocal critic of the state’s sanctuary laws, which he says create unnecessary barriers between local and federal law enforcement. Brauchler characterized the situation as an “ignorance-is-bliss approach to the law” that prevents effective action against criminal organizations.
The Democratic-controlled Colorado government has repeatedly reinforced sanctuary policies since 2018, including making courthouses sanctuaries for illegal immigrants and proposing legislation to extend protections to routes to and from courthouses. These measures have effectively hampered law enforcement’s ability to coordinate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when dealing with criminal aliens.
Despite the mounting evidence, Johnston maintains Denver is not a sanctuary city and claims the city “aggressively pursue[s] violent criminals.” However, his actions tell a different story, as he recently announced $45 million in funding for migrant programs while critics point to resulting cuts in police budgets.
A former FBI Assistant Director criticized Johnston and other Democratic Mayors for allowing cartels to infiltrate cities with lax law enforcement policies. Adding to concerns, many blue cities, including Denver, are not participating in the FBI’s new crime statistic capture system, leading to potentially understated crime reporting.
The DEA recently arrested approximately 50 illegal immigrants with ties to Tren de Aragua in a series of raids across Colorado. This operation highlighted the growing threat posed by these criminal organizations, which have been linked to increases in drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl and tusi, in Colorado communities.
Surely this is it, right? Democrats finally have to do something?
