Aurora police confirm Tren de Aragua was involved in the home invasion.

Aurora police have confirmed that several members of Venezuela’s violent Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang were involved in the armed home invasion. “Incredibly violent” and kidnapping As a result, two victims were seriously injured in an apartment complex this week.

“I will say without question in my opinion that this was TdA activity. Some of these individuals have been identified as TdA gang members,” Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain said. “It is something we are working closely with our partners in HSI (Homeland Security Investigations) and DHS (Homeland Security) to build relationships with gangs.”

Chamberlain said authorities have little way to confirm that a suspect is a member of TdA because gang members often don’t broadcast their affiliations.

“It’s a real challenge trying to say, ‘Hey, 100%, you’re a gang member,’” he said.

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Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain Interviewed with the media during a press conference on Tuesday, December 1, September 17, 2024. (Derek Shook of Fox News Digital)

Chamberlain said it was not a “big step” for him to identify them as members of a notorious Venezuelan gang.

“But when you look at this situation When you watch this event When you look at the people involved in this story. When you look at the reality and the violence involved in this, again, it’s no big deal.’ Let me say they were TdA gang members,” he said.

Gang members forced their way into a couple’s apartment at Edge at Lowry Apartments in suburban Denver and tied up, beat, stabbed and kidnapped their victims. and released them for hospital treatment. The perpetrators are also accused of stealing jewelry from their victims.

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While the department cannot yet confirm whether the 19 suspects detained in the incident are TdA members, Chamberlain said he can definitively confirm that many are part of the gang. that has terrorized Aurora residents over the past few months.

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Chamberlain said one of the TdA members detained was also involved in a violent apartment takeover in Aurora earlier this year.

According to Chamberlain This is not an isolated incident. He said TdA members and affiliates routinely treated the couple. and extorting them for $500 every two weeks. He believes the pair are not the only victims of gang members being intimidated and extorted.

Chamberlain also said Aurora police are cooperating fully with ICE, DHS and Homeland Security Investigations. To determine the identities and possible gang affiliations of those involved in the incident.

Aurora police prepare to conduct a search in Aurora, Colo., Tuesday, Dec. 11, Sept. 17, 2024. (Fox News Digital)

A total of 19 suspects are being held for questioning, three of whom have been released, and eight of them are in ICE custody. He said eight are still under investigation.

“The pending charges range from accidental kidnapping. plunder intentional assault, extortion and theft,” he said.

Police have not yet released the names of the 16 people arrested.

Apartment building at 12th and Dallas in Aurora, Colo., Tuesday, Dec. 12, Sept. 17, 2024. (Fox News Digital)

The police chief emphasized that The officials did not take action. “Mass purge” of suspects Instead, they went into house-to-house investigations to thoroughly investigate all involved parties.

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During the press conference, Chamberlain emphasized that Aurora police will respond to calls and assist victims in distress. “regardless of immigration status”