Press Release: Aurora Police Address Home Invasion, Immigration Concerns
Aurora, Colo. — A recent home invasion and kidnapping at the Edge of Lowry apartments has raised significant concerns regarding victim safety and immigration status. The incident occurred Monday night when two Venezuelan immigrants were attacked by a group of 13 to 15 armed individuals, who subsequently bound, beat, and victimized them before stealing their belongings. Police reported that the victims managed to persuade their captors to release them, allowing them to notify authorities from a safe location early Tuesday morning.
During a Tuesday press conference, Police Chief Todd Chamberlain confirmed that the incident appeared gang-related, though he did not confirm ties to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which has recently been implicated in other violent acts within the complex. He emphasized the vulnerabilities of immigrant victims, who are often hesitant to report crimes due to fear of repercussions regarding their documentation status.
Aurora police are actively working to assure the community that immigration status does not deter their commitment to public safety or justice. The department has implemented outreach efforts, including bilingual informational flyers outlining reporting processes without the risk of immigration enforcement.
Immigration attorney Arturo Jimenez highlighted that victims of crimes may qualify for a U visa, which offers protection for individuals who assist law enforcement in the investigation of criminal activity. Although the process can be lengthy, Jimenez encourages immigrants to report incidents to ensure their safety and the safety of their community.
In light of this recent crime, the Aurora Police Department has detained 19 suspects for questioning related to the incident, signaling a firm stance against gang violence and a commitment to protecting all residents, regardless of their immigration status. The department is working with federal agencies to ascertain the identities of the suspects involved.