Venezuelan gang members arrested for attempted murder in Aurora

In July 2023, four Venezuelan illegal aliens were arrested in Aurora, Colorado, for attempted murder. They are affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang, a notorious criminal organization known for extortion and violent crimes across the United States. The arrests followed a shooting incident near the Nome Street Apartments, which had been overtaken by gang members. The individuals arrested include Jhonnarty Dejesus Pacheco-Chirinos, Jhonardy Jose Pacheco-Chirinos, Nixon Jose Azuaje Perez, and Dixon Jose Azuaje Perez, with the latter two facing additional charges for evidence tampering. The gang members had previously been encountered by Border Patrol agents but were released into the U.S. under a notice to appear. Jhonnardy Jose Pacheco-Chirinos, also known as 'Cookie,' had a history of violent crime, including a prior arrest for nearly beating a man to death. Despite being in custody, he was allowed to bail out, highlighting concerns about the handling of dangerous individuals by immigration authorities. Tren de Aragua has been linked to various criminal activities, including organized retail theft and violent confrontations with law enforcement in multiple states. The gang's presence in the U.S. has raised alarms about the implications of immigration policies that allow such individuals to enter and remain in the country. The situation underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement and immigration officials in managing the influx of migrants, some of whom are involved in serious criminal activities. The ongoing issues surrounding border security and the release of criminal elements into communities continue to be a contentious topic in national discussions on immigration policy.