Colorado facilitates operations of Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua

The acting head of the DEA has raised concerns about Colorado's immigration policies. He claims that these policies have allowed the Tren de Aragua gang, a violent Venezuelan group, to operate as a "control center" in the state. Derek Maltz, the acting DEA Administrator, stated that Colorado has become "ground zero" for violent criminals. He noted that the gang is linked to serious crimes, including a recent murder and a home invasion. Maltz argues that lax immigration laws are making it easier for criminal organizations to thrive. He called on state leaders to take action against violent crime. Maltz emphasized that this issue should not be politically charged. He urged everyone to prioritize the safety of citizens over politics and criticized those who blame law enforcement for the situation. Maltz assured that federal agencies, including the DEA and FBI, are committed to cracking down on gangs like Tren de Aragua. He warned the gang members to "start running" because they are not welcome in Colorado. In response, officials from Colorado’s government emphasized their commitment to working with the DEA. They pointed out that the problems with immigration are ultimately rooted in federal policies, not state laws. Governor Jared Polis's spokesperson highlighted ongoing efforts to improve public safety without dismissing the collaboration with federal agencies.