Colorado’s 23rd Judicial District Attorney, George Brauchler, recently criticized those who dismiss the growing issue of Venezuelan gangs in the state, specifically the notorious Tren de Aragua gang, calling their approach to the matter “ignorance is bliss.” Speaking to Fox News Digital, Brauchler addressed the two opposing viewpoints surrounding the issue: one that exaggerated the gang’s control over entire cities, and another, largely pushed by the left, that dismissed the existence of the problem altogether. Brauchler firmly asserted that Venezuelan gangs, including Tren de Aragua, had in fact taken over apartment complexes in Colorado, primarily in Aurora, where they charged rent in exchange for “protection.”
“The truth is, Venezuelan gangs did take over the running of about 2 to 3 different apartment complexes… so to suggest that this isn’t an issue is fake. It is a giant issue. It is a growing issue. And this sort of ignorance is bliss approach to the law.”
This issue has become even more contentious in light of Colorado’s sanctuary state policies, which limit cooperation between local jurisdictions and federal immigration authorities. These policies have been a point of contention, especially following reports of the Tren de Aragua gang targeting Colorado due to its more lenient immigration laws. During a House Oversight Committee hearing, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston faced questioning over the city’s lack of cooperation with federal law enforcement.
Brauchler, a vocal opponent of the state’s sanctuary policies, has been outspoken about the dangers posed by such legislation. He criticized the Colorado state legislature for enacting laws that effectively shield illegal immigrants from immigration enforcement, including a recent measure that would prevent law enforcement from communicating with federal agencies like the FBI or DEA in cases involving illegal immigrants. He also expressed concerns over legislation being proposed that would prevent immigration enforcement during courthouse proceedings.
“Starting in 2018, Colorado became awash in blue, and the legislature and the governorship have been controlled by the Democrats since then, and they have done everything they can to make Colorado a sanctuary state,” he said. “One of the laws that our state legislature passed fully embraced by Denver is to make our courthouses sanctuaries for illegal immigrants. They ban the enforcement of any immigration laws inside those courthouses.”
Brauchler, who has emphasized that his priority is the safety of Colorado’s residents, said that those living illegally in the state should either obtain legal status or “be on their best behavior,” warning that if they break the law, they should not expect leniency or assistance.
“Can you imagine any city or state creating barriers that say, ‘I’m sorry, local law enforcement, you can’t communicate with the FBI about a fugitive you can’t communicate with — heck, the IRS about a tax cheat…. you can’t communicate with the DEA about known drug dealers?’ It is only with illegal immigrants that there seems to be this sense of creating these municipal and statewide barriers to law enforcement,” he said.
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