Blue Sanctuary State Becomes 'Control' Hub for Infamous Migrant Gang, Warns DEA Chief

Colorado, a state with historically lenient immigration policies, has reportedly become a "command and control" hub for one of America’s most violent migrant gangs, Tren de Aragua (TdA), according to DEA Acting Administrator Derek Maltz.

Speaking to local outlet Denver 7, Maltz described Colorado as "ground zero for some of the most violent criminals in America." The Venezuelan gang TdA, infamous for its ties to heinous crimes such as the murder of nursing student Laken Riley and the hostile takeover of an apartment building in Aurora, has allegedly found a strategic foothold in the state.

"Now, we are learning that the command and control for TdA in the entire United States of America is right here in Colorado," Maltz stated, citing intelligence gathered by federal agents and local law enforcement.

The gang, known for its brutal tactics and transnational operations, has thrived by exploiting what Maltz called the "vulnerabilities and weaknesses" in Colorado’s laws. He didn’t mince words, criticizing the state’s immigration policies for enabling violent criminals to operate with ease. "Anybody that thinks it’s a good idea to open up the border... it makes no sense," he remarked.

Maltz also urged state leaders to put aside political differences for the safety of citizens, calling the issue "not a red or blue issue, but a red, white, and blue issue." He emphasized the urgency of uniting against violent criminal elements, adding, "We have to start thinking about our citizens first."

Further frustration was directed at critics of federal immigration enforcement. Maltz suggested these detractors should thank law enforcement rather than serve as "Monday morning quarterbacks." He painted a grim picture of the impact on local communities, highlighting the gun violence, extortion, kidnappings, and other crimes leaving residents in fear.

Despite criticism of the state’s policies, Maltz assured that federal agencies, including the DEA, FBI, ATF, and ICE, were taking a "whole of government" approach to dismantle TdA’s operations. He issued a stark warning to the gang’s members: "Start running now... they better go and find another state because they are not welcome here in Colorado."

Governor Jared Polis’s office responded by emphasizing the state’s ongoing collaboration with federal agencies to combat crime. However, Polis’s representative, Eric Maruyama, shifted some of the blame to Congress for failing to reform immigration laws and secure the border. Polis, the statement claimed, remains committed to improving public safety through measures like cracking down on illegal gun crimes and recruiting law enforcement officers.

Colorado’s Democratic senators, Michael Bennett and John Hickenlooper, declined to comment on the situation.