Denyeer Aramillo Meneses, 23, and Edison Pena Angulo, 25, members of the Tren de Aragua gang, were arrested in New York City on November 27, 2024, during a major drug trafficking and credit card fraud investigation.

Local police in Aurora had issued warrants for Meneses and Angulo on October 1, 2024, in connection with an armed apartment invasion that resulted in a fatal shooting.

The violent incident in Aurora occurred on August 18, 2024, when Meneses, Angulo, and four others were captured on surveillance video forcibly entering apartments and threatening residents, leading to the death of 25-year-old Oswaldo Jose Dabion Araujo.

Meneses and Angulo were identified as part of a group of six men who threatened residents at the Edge at Lowry apartments during the armed invasion.

The apartment complex involved in the incident was subsequently shut down due to code violations attributed to gang activity, leaving residents feeling unsafe.

Tren de Aragua has been linked to a significant increase in gang violence in Aurora, with reports of them taking control of apartment complexes and engaging in extortion and assaults.

In February 2024, New York officials connected the gang to over 62 robberies and violent crimes, highlighting their expanding influence.

The arrests of Meneses and Angulo were part of a larger six-month investigation that led to the capture of 15 suspected gang members involved in narcotics trafficking and violent crimes.

The gang was reportedly trafficking various drugs, including heroin and synthetic drugs, and engaged in credit card fraud, operating between the Bronx and Lower Manhattan.

Gang leader Jhonardy Jose Pacheco-Chirino, known as 'Galleta,' has orchestrated various violent incidents, further escalating concerns in the community.

During a raid in New York City, authorities seized three assault rifles, two pistols, and large quantities of ammunition from the gang members, indicating their serious criminal involvement.

In response to rising gang violence, Aurora Police have denied claims that Tren de Aragua has taken over the city, despite ongoing incidents involving gang members.