On Friday, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert held a community roundtable to discuss recent reports of gang and criminal activity in Aurora apartment complexes. These reports have become a part of political discussions about U.S. immigration policy.
Boebert, a Republican from Colorado’s 3rd District, hosted the event at Aurora City Hall alongside Texas Congressman Chip Roy, also a Republican. The meeting lasted around 90 minutes and included state and local leaders, as well as concerned residents.
Though Boebert doesn’t represent Aurora and wouldn’t even if she wins the 4th District seat in November, she has shown interest in the issue. The roundtable was her latest effort to address the situation.
“The goal was to inform people, since the media has been trying to hide this and call it a conspiracy, Boebert said.
One Aurora resident, Cindy Romero, spoke at the meeting. She shared how she lived in fear at the Edge at Lowry apartments, where she filmed armed men, and the video later went viral. It’s terrifying, she said. I saw them moving guns and reported it.
Boebert and other Republican lawmakers also sent a letter to Colorado Governor Jared Polis and federal officials, asking for answers about gang activity involving the Venezuelan group Tren de Aragua. They questioned if nonprofits might have played a role in bringing immigrants tied to criminal activities to Colorado.
A law firm representing the lender of Whispering Pines Apartments investigated the complex and reported finding evidence of gang crimes like human trafficking, illegal gun possession, and abuse targeting immigrants. They sent their findings to Aurora’s police and officials, who said they are investigating.
Boebert defended citing the law firm’s report, saying it’s nonpartisan and trustworthy. She also criticized the media for not focusing on the issue.
Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman visited the affected apartment complexes but said he doesn’t believe gangs are in control of them. Local officials, including council members and state representatives, also attended the roundtable to discuss the matter.