CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — A group of 32 armed Venezuelan nationals reportedly took control of an apartment building in Chicago on Monday night, according to a 911 dispatch call and local sources. The audio, which has been widely circulated online, captures the chaotic scene as residents desperately called for help, leading to heightened concerns over the rise in migrant-related crime in the United States.
The alleged takeover in Chicago follows a similar incident in Aurora, Colorado, where a group of Venezuelan migrants reportedly seized control of a building. Although there is no video footage from the Chicago incident, the 911 audio has been verified by local authorities, who confirmed that law enforcement responded to the situation. Details about any arrests or injuries have not yet been released.
In the 911 call, residents can be heard describing the group entering the building with weapons and asserting control over the premises. Police arrived at the scene and secured the building within hours, though the situation has left many residents shaken.
The incident has brought renewed scrutiny to the Biden administration’s immigration policies, with critics pointing to Vice President Kamala Harris, who has been tasked with addressing the root causes of migration. Some argue that there has been a lack of a clear plan to manage the growing influx of migrants or to address potential security risks.
“This isn’t the first time we’ve seen something like this,” said a resident from a nearby building who requested anonymity. “First it was Aurora, now it’s happening here. People are worried, and we need answers.”
Venezuela’s ongoing economic and political crises have driven millions to flee the country, many seeking asylum in the United States. While most migrants are fleeing to escape desperate conditions, the recent events have sparked concerns about the possibility of criminal elements exploiting the situation.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the Chicago incident, but the lack of visual evidence has made it difficult to fully assess the scope of the situation. Nonetheless, the audio recordings have provided enough cause for alarm, fueling an already heated debate over how the administration is handling the migrant crisis.
As the investigation progresses, officials have yet to provide further details on those involved or the current state of the apartment building. The broader implications of this incident, particularly in terms of public safety and immigration policy, are likely to continue to unfold in the coming days.