Major Operation Leads to Dozens of Arrests of Suspected Gang Members

Person in handcuffs with hands behind back.

Federal authorities arrest 50 members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang in Colorado, seizing weapons, drugs, and cash in a coordinated sweep targeting illegal immigrants with criminal records.

Key Takeaways

Approximately 50 individuals linked to the Tren de Aragua gang were arrested in Adams County, Colorado, during a drug trafficking raid.
The operation, part of “Operation Return to Sender,” targeted a makeshift nightclub and resulted in the seizure of illicit drugs, weapons, and cash.
Arrests are part of a nationwide effort to deport illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds, focusing on sanctuary cities.
The DEA, ICE, and local law enforcement agencies collaborated in the operation, which is part of a broader crackdown on dangerous illegal criminals.
Tren de Aragua gang activity has contributed to unsafe conditions in several apartment buildings in Aurora, leading to city officials seeking closure of these buildings.

Massive Drug Raid Targets Venezuelan Gang in Colorado

In a significant blow to organized crime, federal authorities have arrested approximately 50 alleged members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang in Adams County, Colorado. The operation, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), targeted a makeshift nightclub where the gang members were gathered for an “invite-only party.”

The raid, conducted by the DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division in collaboration with metro Denver law enforcement agencies and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), resulted in the seizure of illicit drugs, weapons, and cash. Of particular concern was the confiscation of “pink cocaine,” a potent and dangerous synthetic drug that has been gaining popularity in recent years.

Operation Return to Sender: Targeting Criminal Immigrants

This operation is part of a broader initiative dubbed “Operation Return to Sender,” which aims to deport illegal immigrants with criminal records to improve public safety. The focus on the Tren de Aragua gang highlights the growing concern over transnational criminal organizations operating within the United States.

“We want the country to know that we will all support the president’s priority to round up the most dangerous illegal criminals” – DEA acting administrator Derek Maltz

The operation in Colorado is not an isolated incident. Similar raids have been conducted across the country, including in sanctuary cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. These efforts have resulted in the arrest of individuals with ties to terrorism and violent gangs, such as MS-13 and suspected ISIS affiliates.

Impact on Local Communities

The presence of the Tren de Aragua gang has had a significant impact on local communities, particularly in Aurora, Colorado. City officials have been forced to take drastic measures, including seeking closure of several apartment buildings due to unsafe conditions attributed to gang activity. In a previous incident, 19 people were arrested in Aurora, with 16 believed to be Tren de Aragua members.

The situation has become so dire that Aurora officials have taken over management of affected buildings, setting deadlines for residents to vacate. This highlights the far-reaching consequences of allowing criminal organizations to establish footholds in American communities.

A Nationwide Effort

The success of the operation in Colorado is part of a larger, nationwide effort to combat illegal immigration and associated criminal activities. Federal agencies are working in conjunction with local law enforcement to identify, apprehend, and deport individuals who pose a threat to public safety.

As the situation continues to develop, it is clear that federal authorities are committed to addressing the complex issues surrounding illegal immigration and organized crime. The arrests in Colorado serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing law enforcement and the importance of coordinated efforts to ensure the safety and security of American communities.