Cindy Romero, a former Aurora, Colorado resident, speaks out about the dangers posed by Venezuelan gangs in her city, claiming that officials are minimizing the issue amidst the ongoing border crisis.
Cindy Romero, a former resident of Aurora, Colorado, has expressed her frustration over what she perceives as a downplaying of the impact of Venezuelan gangs in her city. Romero was forced to leave her apartment earlier this year due to escalating violence and gang activity, which she says has been exacerbated by the ongoing border crisis.
"I feel like it's a slap in the face," Romero told Fox News Digital. "How many gangs is okay to have in Aurora? How many properties is okay to take over? How many people, who are citizens paying their bills, is it okay to displace?"
Venezuelan Gangs Downplayed by Government and Media, Says Ex-Aurora Tenant
Romero's concerns stem from her firsthand experience with gang activity at her former apartment complex. She and her husband recorded multiple videos of alleged gang members patrolling the property with guns and engaging in shootouts. In one incident, a bullet struck her car.
Despite her repeated calls to 911, Romero claims that police rarely responded. "I feel like the mayor and the governor and the [police] all downplay the situation," she said. "I was pushed out of my apartment by gang activity, people carrying guns in the hallway and patrolling the grounds with guns."
Venezuelan Gangs Downplayed by Government and Media, Says Ex-Aurora Tenant
Romero's experiences echo those of other Aurora residents who have reported increased gang activity and violence in recent months. According to local police, 10 members of the Tren de Aragua gang were arrested in September in connection with criminal activity around apartment buildings.
However, local and national news outlets have criticized former President Donald Trump's claims that Venezuelan gangs have "taken over" apartment complexes in Aurora, labeling them as exaggerated. City officials have also dismissed concerns, stating that the situation is "real" but "needs to be put into context."
Venezuelan Gangs Downplayed by Government and Media, Says Ex-Aurora Tenant
Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, a Republican, has blamed the city's problems on federal policy and the nearby Denver's sanctuary city status. "We did everything we could to, quite frankly, keep them out of the city because it's not our problem. This is a federal problem," he said in an August interview.
Despite these claims, Romero and others maintain that the threat posed by Venezuelan gangs is significant and cannot be ignored. They fear that the downplaying of the issue will only lead to further violence and displacement.
"It's a real problem and it's growing," said Romero. "I hope that the city will take this seriously and do more to protect its citizens."
