A former resident of an Aurora, Colorado, apartment complex warns that the takeover of two buildings by suspected Venezuelan gang members is not an isolated incident, as she provides disturbing footage and recounts the terrifying ordeal.
Cindy Romero, a former resident of the Aurora apartment complex overrun by suspected Venezuelan gang members, has come forward with chilling details of the incident. Speaking on "America Reports" Friday, Romero revealed that the takeover was "not by any means an isolated occurrence."
She provided doorbell footage showing a group of heavily-armed Venezuelan migrants attempting to break into an apartment in the complex. According to Romero, residents had been on high alert after spotting several individuals carrying weapons into an adjacent building earlier in the morning.
Venezuelan Gangs Overtake Colorado Apartment Complex, Resident Warns of 'Not Isolated Occurrence'
Romero reported the suspicious activity to the police but was informed that they could not intervene unless something happened. "We were nervous and on high alert anyway, because they told us that they really couldn't do anything unless something happened," she said.
Despite calling 911 frantically when the shooting broke out that evening, Romero and her neighbors waited an hour and a half for a police response. The gang stormed into the unit across the hall from Romero and her husband, firing shots and sending bullets flying into parked vehicles.
Venezuelan Gangs Overtake Colorado Apartment Complex, Resident Warns of 'Not Isolated Occurrence'
"I have a bullet hole through my car," Romero said. "My husband also has bullet holes in his car." The takeover ended with shots fired and bullets flying into vehicles.
Romero confirmed that Tren de Aragua, or TdA, a transnational gang based out of Venezuela, is linked to the takeover. She expressed frustration with the lack of law enforcement response and the dismissal of the incident by Colorado Governor Jared Polis.
Venezuelan Gangs Overtake Colorado Apartment Complex, Resident Warns of 'Not Isolated Occurrence'
"You can't fake video and Polis wouldn't last five minutes on that property," Romero said. She also accused the administration of being "part of the problem."
"We were left to die," Romero said. "It's not just that property. It's not just TdA. There are so many other groups, so many other cartels that are coming in, and this is happening all over the country."
Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman confirmed that at least two apartment buildings within the city limits have been overtaken by Venezuelan gangs. Residents have also confirmed to Fox News Digital that members of TdA have collected rent from residents in at least one overrun complex.
Romero has now relocated with the help of Aurora City Council Member Danielle Jurinsky. Romero expressed gratitude for Jurinsky's support, but concerns over the safety of other residents remain.
The incident has raised concerns about the growing presence of Venezuelan gangs in the United States and the need for increased law enforcement resources to address the threat. Aurora Police Chief Vanessa Wilson has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and vowed to crack down on gang activity.
The takeover of the Aurora apartment complex is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by transnational gangs and the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat their influence and protect vulnerable communities.
