A troubling situation has been reported in Denver, Colorado, where Venezuelan gang members are allegedly extorting homeless people for “protection” money. The claim was made by a Reddit user on the r/homeless subreddit, who described how these gangs have taken over public spaces where the homeless have established encampments.
The Reddit user wrote, “Venezuelan gangs took over our encampment and now we have to pay them rent to stay here.” The post quickly garnered attention, with users offering advice that ranged from paying the so-called “rent” for safety to immediately relocating to avoid violence.
This incident is part of a broader concern in Colorado regarding the growing influence of Venezuelan gangs. Recently, video footage from Aurora, Colorado, went viral, showing armed gang members taking control of an apartment complex. The situation escalated into a shootout, resulting in one person being injured and several cars damaged.
Governor Jared Polis initially downplayed the seriousness of these reports, suggesting they were a product of “imagination.” However, after facing criticism, Polis addressed the issue more directly on CNN, inviting those with more evidence to come forward and asserting that the state takes such threats seriously.
The emergence of these allegations in Denver underscores the challenges faced by the homeless population, who are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation. As Colorado continues to deal with issues related to migrant violence, the situation in Denver raises significant concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of current policies.
