During a recent interview on ABC’s “This Week,” Ohio Senator and Vice-Presidential candidate JD Vance engaged in a sharp exchange with host Martha Raddatz over the growing presence of Venezuelan gangs in Aurora, Colorado. Vance criticized Raddatz for minimizing the extent of criminal activities reportedly carried out by Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang that has gained notoriety for taking control of several apartment complexes in the area.
“The incidents were limited to a handful of apartment complexes,” Raddatz, 71, said during the discussion. “The mayor has also emphasized that the city’s police officers have responded to these concerns.”
Visibly taken aback, Vance responded with disbelief: “Martha, do you hear yourself? Only ‘a handful of apartment complexes’ in America were taken over by Venezuelan gangs.” Vance expressed frustration with what he characterized as the media’s downplaying of the migrant crime crisis.
The exchange occurred as part of a broader conversation on immigration policy and public safety, sparked by recent remarks from former President Donald Trump in Aurora. Trump’s speech announced “Operation Aurora,” a plan to deport criminal illegal immigrants and dismantle migrant gangs, specifically targeting Tren de Aragua.
“Operation Aurora,” named in honor of victims such as Jocelyn Nungaray and Rachel Morin, aims to expedite removals under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Trump criticized Vice President Kamala Harris’ immigration policies, blaming them for enabling the rise of criminal networks like Tren de Aragua. “No person who has inflicted the violence and terror that Kamala Harris has inflicted on this community can ever be allowed to become the President of the United States,” Trump declared.
Reports from local media outlets, including The Denver Post, have detailed the impact of Tren de Aragua’s activities on Aurora residents. A law firm investigating the gang’s takeover of multiple apartment complexes found evidence of human trafficking, extortion, unlawful firearm possession, and assaults. Surveillance footage shared online shows gang members openly carrying weapons and intimidating residents.
According to federal data, the number of Venezuelan migrants at the U.S. border has surged from 50,000 in fiscal year 2021 to nearly 335,000 in fiscal year 2023. Meanwhile, deportations of convicted criminals have reportedly declined by 74% under Vice President Harris’ oversight of immigration policy.
The confrontation between Vance and Raddatz reflects the tension surrounding immigration enforcement and its impact on the Presidential election, with Aurora serving as a focal point in the national debate of criminal illegal immigrants impact on crime in cities throughout America.