Federal authorities have apprehended criminals suspected to belong to the notorious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, following their connection to a violent jewelry store robbery in Denver.
Jean Torres Roman, 21, identified as one of the suspects, was booked into the Downtown Detention Center in Denver. He faces state charges of attempted first-degree murder, attempted aggravated robbery, and menacing. He is currently held under a $1 million bond and is scheduled to appear in Denver District Court on August 21.
The suspect, a Venezuelan national, is believed to be part of the notorious gang, which was recently designated a transnational criminal organization by the U.S. government.
This week, #HSI_HQ Las Cruces NM special agents turned over custody of a Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang member & suspect in the June 24 Denver jewelry heist to @DenverSheriff. @DHSgov #PublicSafety #BorderSecurity pic.twitter.com/IQwo8FMKMo
— HSI El Paso (@HSIElPaso) August 1, 2024
The robbery in question took place on June 24 in Joyería el Ruby, a family owned operation in Denver. Video footage shared by Fox affiliate KDVR in Denver shows several young men posing as customers before attacking the all-female staff and clients. The footage shows the robbers brandishing guns, breaking into an office, and pistol-whipping two women who fell to the floor.
In related news, The Denver Gazzette reported that Tren de Aragua has reach and influence along Colorado's Front Range and "has "given 'the green light' for gang members to attack or fire on law enforcement in the U.S.
The publication quotes Alethea Smock, a spokesperson for Homeland Security investigations in the Northwest Region, which confirmed Tren de Aragua is effectively operating in Colorado.
"Noncitizens associated with gangs or wanted for gang-related crimes in their home countries identified during regular immigration enforcement duties are prioritized for apprehension and removal from the U.S."
On July 23rd another incident involving the criminal organization took place in New York, when two deadly shootings near a migrant shelter shocked Brooklyn. The incident is reportedly tied to a turf war between Tren de Aragua and a spin-off crew that includes former members.
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