AURORA, Colo. - Police in Aurora, a Denver suburb, have refuted claims that a Venezuelan street gang has taken control of a rundown apartment complex. Despite the lack of evidence, the unsupported allegation has gained traction among conservatives and was further amplified by former President Donald Trump during a Fox News town hall on Wednesday. However, interim Aurora police chief Heather Morris stated that while there are links to the Tren de Aragua gang, they have not taken over the apartment complex nor collected rent.

The allegation gained momentum after a resident of the complex shared a video showing armed individuals knocking on an apartment door. This intensified fears that the Tren de Aragua gang had seized control of the six-building complex. Aurora, a diverse city grappling with crime and gangs, has thus far identified 10 individuals connected to the gang, with six arrests made, including suspects in a July attempted homicide.

However, during a visit to the apartments in question, Chief Morris clarified that the gang members had not taken over the complex and were not involved in rent collection. These remarks came in response to Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman's assertion that "criminal elements" had taken control of unspecified buildings and were extorting residents. The Mayor's claims were based on information provided by apartment manager CBZ Management, who alleged that tenants were being forced to pay rent to gang members.

Following a news conference held by residents to refute these claims, Mayor Coffman, a Republican and former congressman, acknowledged uncertainty about the truth of the situation. In an interview with Denver7 TV station, the Mayor emphasized that the narrative of Aurora being unsafe was false and detrimental to the city's economic well-being.

Former President Donald Trump, capitalizing on immigration concerns as he seeks re-election, further exaggerated the gang situation in Aurora during the town hall event. He claimed that Venezuelans were "taking over the whole town" and emphasized a video showing armed men allegedly occupying apartments.

While it is true that nearly one million Venezuelan migrants have entered the U.S. in recent years, including suspected gang members, there is no evidence of Tren de Aragua establishing an organized presence in the country. Jeremy McDermott, co-director of InSight Crime, a Colombia-based organization, stated that there is no evidence of the gang's organizational structure in the U.S.

Unsubstantiated social media posts about Venezuelans taking over a school bus in San Diego and an apartment building in Chicago have also gained attention recently. However, these claims remain unverified.

Many immigrants from Venezuela and other Latin American countries living in the Aurora complex have expressed frustration with being unjustly labeled as criminals. They have instead pointed fingers at CBZ Management, the New York-based owner of the buildings, accusing them of neglecting maintenance issues such as bedbugs, rodents, and water leaks, despite tenants paying high monthly rents.

Moises Didenot, a resident from Venezuela, accused the building owner as being the true criminal. Didenot highlighted the poor living conditions, including mice infestation, malfunctioning appliances, and recurring mold issues.

CBZ Management did not respond to requests for comment, and phone numbers listed for two Aurora apartment buildings owned by CBZ were disconnected.

Aurora officials have expressed their commitment to addressing the presence of the Tren de Aragua gang and other criminal activity affecting migrant communities. They have announced the formation of a task force, consisting of local, state, and federal enforcement agencies, to address these concerns.

Despite ongoing investigations and efforts to combat crime, the unsubstantiated allegations of a Venezuelan gang takeover in Aurora continue to fuel controversy. As the city of over 400,000 people grapples with its diverse population and crime issues, the focus remains on finding a balanced and factual approach to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.