AURORA, Colo. — Tenants of two Aurora apartment complexes are pushing back against allegations that Venezuelan gangs have overtaken their buildings. Residents and community advocates asserted that these claims are overstated and are instead heightening the risks they face.
On Tuesday, dozens of tenants from apartment complexes on Dallas Street and Helena Street gathered outside 1206 Dallas Street with signs reading “There are no gangs here,” and “We are fathers, mothers and children.” They also chanted “Los buenos somos más,” which translates to, “There are more good people.” The demonstration aimed to dispel the notion that they are involved in criminal activities.
Jeraldyne Mazo, a Colombian resident, and her Venezuelan husband, Mario Viloria, shared their frustrations. Viloria said he's been facing prejudice while trying to get a job.
“I got my permit and my social. I’ve applied to many companies, and none has wanted to call me because of the xenophobia they have towards us Venezuelans,” Viloria said, speaking in Spanish.
The tenants reported that they had never felt threatened by gangs or others until recently. They said they have received threatening text messages and seen hateful signs posted around their complex.
Mazo, also speaking in Spanish, said that the media-driven controversy has attracted gangs from other areas to their homes.
“The controversy created due to what they’re saying has formed other gangs from other places that have come to our homes to write on the walls and threaten us," Mazo said. "What they are saying about gangs is totally untrue."
Additionally, tenants criticized CBZ Management, the company responsible for both apartment complexes, for neglecting maintenance issues. Persistent problems with leaks, bedbugs, cockroaches and rats led some residents to bring out captured rats as evidence.
They accuse CBZ Management of failing to address these issues and then charging fees if they break their lease agreements.
"I say the only criminal here is the owner," one tenant said in Spanish.
On Friday, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman announced that the city is pursuing an emergency order to close apartment buildings with reported Venezuelan gang activity. The announcement said the city attorney’s office is preparing to classify these properties as a criminal nuisance. The mayor's announcement didn't say when the city would be attempting to shut down the apartment complexes.
Residents claim their rights are being violated and are calling on the city of Aurora to hold CBZ Management accountable, rather than shutting down their building as was done with CBZ’s property on Nome Street.
Tenants are urging city officials to engage directly with them to understand the situation better.
“I just want people to meet us before judging us,” Mazo said.