A Reddit user from Denver, Colorado, has claimed on the subreddit r/homeless that Venezuelan gang members have taken control of public areas in the city and are extorting homeless residents for “protection” money. These territories are public spaces where homeless Coloradans have set up their camps.
“Venezuelan gangs took over our encampment and now we have to pay them rent to stay here,” the user alleged in a post, as reported by Andy Ngo. “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 elicited a range of responses from other users. Some advised the person to pay the “rent” for their safety, while others suggested they relocate immediately to avoid potential violence.
A Denver, Colo. user on the “homeless” subreddit alleges that Venezuelan gang members have taken over some public territory and are demanding “protection” money from the homeless people who are camping there.
Some users say it might be helpful to pay and have them be protectors… pic.twitter.com/hp3A5d5qYs
— Andy Ngo 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) September 1, 2024
These allegations come amid growing concerns in Colorado about the presence