What was once a beautiful escape nestled in the Colorado mountains is now a scene of chaos, destruction, and financial distress. For Airbnb host Karen Martiz, her passion project in Evergreen, located west of Denver, has transformed into a disaster site after a weekend rental spun out of control, allegedly at the hands of suspected gang members.
Martiz poured her heart into the property, curating it for guests to experience the serenity of the mountains. “I have put all my energy and love into this property to make it beautiful for my guests. It’s a beautiful place. Everybody loved it. We have been hosting for two years and this was the first time that I showed up here and my house was completely destroyed. I couldn’t believe it,” she said.
Chaos Unleashed by a Weekend Party
Despite the property being marked as strictly “no-smoking,” the guest who rented it over the weekend violated multiple house rules. According to Martiz, what started as a seemingly routine booking quickly devolved into an uncontrollable party, leaving the space unrecognizable. Cigarette butts, discarded bottles, and even bags containing drugs were found littered throughout.
The aftermath was staggering: carpets stained beyond repair, gum smeared on walls and even stuck to ceilings, and furniture missing from its rightful place. “It was a horrible scene. When I walked into my house, I couldn’t believe I was actually living this. Because until you live it, you are like, ‘Is this even something that could happen to people?’” Martiz expressed.
Suspicions of a Dangerous Migrant Gang
Authorities believe the destruction was caused by members of the Venezuelan migrant gang Tren de Aragua. Although police haven’t detailed the exact reasoning behind their suspicions, Martiz confirmed that a neighbor nearby during the incident heard gunshots.
The damage, estimated at $16,000, has left Martiz feeling violated and frustrated. “Disrespected” is how she describes it, telling a local affiliate that the carpet alone needs to be replaced. Her situation is dire: “We’re not going to be able to rent our property for about a month until we get everything fixed. That means that we’re not going to have guests in our house and, definitely, this is something that helps us pay our bills, our mortgage… keeps on being able to afford this beautiful home that is the home that I plan to retire on, so it’s a very difficult situation because it puts me really in a financial strain,” she shared.
An Urgent Call for Action
Martiz’s situation isn’t isolated, and she’s sounding the alarm on a broader, more serious issue. She insists that the threat posed by migrant gang violence is real and that the damage they leave behind goes far beyond material loss.
“It’s very real, and this group of people [Tren de Aragua] are doing it to people like me,” Martiz said.
Local authorities estimate that anywhere from 80 to 100 individuals were involved in the rampage, leaving the property—and Martiz’s future—uncertain.
When asked if she believes claims of former President Donald Trump and other prominent figures warning of migrant gang violence are exaggerated, Martiz responded unequivocally: “This is very real and this should be taken very seriously. These people are not here to do good. They have nothing to lose. They don’t care. They’re just coming in, destroying properties, people’s lives like nothing. Something needs to happen… This needs to stop. 100%, as soon as possible.”
Seeking Reimbursement and Justice
Hoping for some relief, Martiz has contacted Airbnb for reimbursement. As she waits, the emotional and financial toll mounts, leaving her unsure how she’ll navigate this ordeal. The experience serves as a stark warning for other property owners, emphasizing the critical need for accountability and safety measures in communities increasingly affected by violence.
