
Federal agents apprehended nearly 50 members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang in a major overnight operation in Aurora, Colorado, as part of a nationwide crackdown on criminal migrants.
Key Insights
- Federal narcotics agents arrested approximately 50 individuals in Adams County, Colorado, during a drug trafficking raid.
- The operation targeted a “makeshift nightclub,” where authorities seized illicit drugs, weapons, and cash.
- The arrests are part of “Operation Return to Sender,” a broader initiative to deport illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds.
- The raid resulted in the seizure of “pink cocaine,” a dangerous drug linked to the Tren de Aragua gang.
- Similar operations have occurred nationwide, targeting illegal immigrants in sanctuary cities.
Major Drug Trafficking Raid in Colorado
Federal narcotics agents conducted a significant operation in Adams County, Colorado, resulting in the arrest of approximately 50 individuals believed to be in the country illegally. The raid, which took place on Sunday, targeted a drug trafficking operation linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
The operation, carried out by the DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division in collaboration with metro Denver law enforcement agencies and the ATF, focused on a “makeshift nightclub” in Adams County, just outside Denver. Authorities seized illicit drugs, weapons, and cash during the raid.
Tren de Aragua Gang and “Pink Cocaine”
The Tren de Aragua gang, originating from Venezuela, has been a growing concern for law enforcement agencies across the United States. The gang is known for its involvement in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking. Of particular concern is the distribution of “pink cocaine,” a dangerous synthetic drug that has been spreading across different parts of the country.
The presence of Tren de Aragua in Aurora, Colorado, has been particularly troublesome, contributing to unsafe conditions in several apartment buildings. City officials have been seeking closure of these buildings due to the gang’s activities, highlighting the broader impact of criminal migrant groups on local communities.
“Operation Return to Sender”
The Colorado raid is part of a larger initiative dubbed “Operation Return to Sender,” which focuses on deporting illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds. This operation, spanning multiple U.S. cities including Chicago and Los Angeles, aims to enhance public safety by targeting migrants charged with crimes or ordered deported.
DEA acting administrator Derek Maltz emphasized the importance of this operation, stating, “The President and the DOJ leaders have made it clear that we are going to work together with a sense of urgency to hold violent criminals accountable.” This statement underscores the federal government’s commitment to addressing the issue of criminal migrants and enhancing national security.
Nationwide Impact and Future Implications
The operation in Colorado is not an isolated incident. Similar raids have been conducted across various states, including New York, California, Georgia, and Massachusetts. These operations have resulted in the arrest of individuals with ties to terrorism and violent gangs, such as MS-13 and suspected ISIS affiliates.
As the situation continues to develop, questions remain about the potential charges and deportations for those arrested in the Colorado raid. The ICE and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado have declined to comment on these matters, leaving the future of the detained individuals uncertain. However, the operation’s success signals a strong commitment to addressing the challenges posed by criminal migrant groups and ensuring the safety of American communities.
Sources:
- DEA seizes drugs, cash and guns from Venezuelan gang in Colorado warehouse raid, officials say
- DEA raids party, arrests nearly 50 undocumented immigrants and TdA gang members
- Feds round up 50 Tren de Aragua members at ‘makeshift nightclub’ in Denver as nationwide ICE raids bust child rapists and suspected ISIS terrorists