A disturbing allegation has come to light in Denver, Colorado, where homeless individuals claim they are being extorted by Venezuelan gang members for “protection” money. The accusation was made by a Reddit user on the r/homeless subreddit, who said that these gangs have taken over public encampments and are demanding “rent” to allow residents to stay.
The user expressed frustration and fear, stating, “They are making us pay rent to stay in our own camp. They say it’s for protection. Protection from who I don’t know.” The post has prompted mixed reactions, with some advising the user to pay for their safety, while others recommended leaving the area.
This situation is part of a larger concern in Colorado about the presence of armed Venezuelan gangs. Last week, a video went viral showing gang members taking over an apartment complex in Aurora, which led to a shootout that injured one person and damaged several vehicles.
Governor Jared Polis initially dismissed the incident as “imagination,” but later addressed the issue on CNN, urging anyone with more evidence to come forward. Despite these growing concerns, Polis has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump’s border wall and supports Vice President Kamala Harris’ approach to addressing the border crisis.
The allegations in Denver add to the ongoing debate over immigration and public safety in Colorado, with the homeless population increasingly vulnerable to exploitation.
