False ‘Gang Takeover’ Rumors at Aurora Apartments Conceal A Deeper Problem
An infamous apartment complex in Aurora closed this February after deteriorating living conditions and spiraling rumors put residents of The Edge at Lowry complex at risk.
The story hit the national news last year when local media coverage of two robberies and an assault at the complex were amplified by President Trump, who twisted the facts to fuel his campaign for reelection. Trump joined local conservative politicians in spreading the lie of a “complete gang takeover” by Venezuelan immigrants at The Edge apartments – a lie that has been repeatedly debunked by residents and local law enforcement.
In the months since, ICE has descended on Aurora and terrorized our communities. Those of us who have been in this work for a long time saw it coming. Corrupt politicians and their wealthy backers often use racism and fear to distract and divide us while they line their own pockets. Trump in particular has a long history of falsely accusing immigrants of gang affiliation as a ploy to justify mass deportations and energize his base.
So, what really happened at the Edge at Lowry Apartment Complex?
In the case of The Edge at Lowry apartments, these false accusations not only shifted the blame from the real issue—years of neglect and disinvestment by corporate landlords, management companies, and the city—but also fueled racist and violent attacks against immigrant families in Aurora and beyond.
The Facts:
False Claims of Gang Activity at Aurora Complex Debunked
Both local law enforcement and residents of the complex have confirmed that there is no Venezuelan gang takeover at The Edge. The community’s long-time struggles with poverty and crime are a result of systemic neglect and disinvestment that plague Black and Brown neighborhoods across Colorado and the U.S.
These rumors are part of a political strategy aimed at inciting fear and division. Similar claims have been debunked in Ohio and Chicago.
Neglect by Corporate Real Estate Is the Real Issue
For years, the City of Aurora has failed to hold corporate landlords accountable to provide safe, dignified housing.
The Edge apartment complex, owned by an out-of-state conglomerate, CBZ Management, has long been in a state of severe disrepair, with tenants facing mold, rats, and unsafe conditions. Residents of The Edge had raised concerns year after year about deteriorating living conditions due to neglect.
Last year, the City looked ready to take action to force improvements. Improvements that would have cost these companies money. That’s when the corporate management and owners of The Edge pointed the finger at residents and hired a PR firm to fuel ‘gang takeover’ rumors.
Blaming immigrants is an attempt by corporate real estate to deflect responsibility and avoid accountability.
Rhetoric That Endangers Lives
These lies are not only harmful but dangerous. Since the false claims surfaced, white supremacist groups have begun targeting immigrant families in Aurora, leading to threats and increased fear in the community.
And under the second Trump Administration, ICE has launched a series of illegal and devastating raids on our immigrant neighbors here in Aurora. They claim to be deporting Venezuelan gang members. But that’s another lie.
ICE is tearing families apart and deporting people en masse. Just this March, ICE abducted longtime Denver resident Jeannette Vizguerra – a local activist and mother – while she was taking her lunch break at Target. Jeannette’s story made the news because of her many years of high-profile activism. We know of countless stories just like hers that aren’t being covered.
The residents of Aurora deserve better. Instead of targeting Venezuelan immigrants, the focus should be on holding landlords accountable and investing in affordable housing, good jobs, and strong communities.
“Immigrants are not the threat. The real danger is the hateful rhetoric and proposals that target our neighbors for political gain,” said Gladis Ibarra, Co-Executive Director of the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition. “We’ve seen mass deportations, and locally, politicians are pushing to remove protections that prevent ICE from working with local police to deport community members. These are policies we know only bring harm. They want to push our communities back into the shadows, but we want to make it clear: this is our home, we are part of these communities, and we are here to stay. We will not be divided by fear.”
Protecting Aurora Residents, Building a Thriving Community:
People with the courage and tenacity to move here for a better life are valued members of our communities. They are our friends, family, loved ones, caregivers, and coworkers.
In the face of this Administration’s chaos and destruction, we’re coming together across race and place to keep our communities whole.
Join us in the fight for a fair immigration system and a future where ALL Coloradans – regardless of our immigration status or where we were born – can thrive.