they = several other people ?

[NewHopeR]

Context:

Stephanie Vargas, 25, said her daughter’s father rents an upstairs room in the building where the home invasion occurred. She said several other people lived in building. Ms. Vargas said she had been trying to reach her child’s father all morning. “They’re not letting me talk to him,” she said. “He’s not answering his phone. They’re not letting me go see him.”
Vivian Sanchez, 55, who has been living on Pine Street across the street from the home where the shooting took place, said she was awakened by the sound of a gunshot early Monday.

More:

Officer Shot and Killed in Brooklyn - NYTimes.com

[TheParser]

[QUOTE=NewHopeR;832054]

Stephanie Vargas, 25, said her daughter’s father rents an upstairs room in the building where the home invasion occurred. She said several other people lived in building. Ms. Vargas said she had been trying to reach her child’s father all morning. “They’re not letting me talk to him,” she said. “He’s not answering his phone. They’re not letting me go see him.”


NOT A TEACHER


I think that "they're" refers to the authorities. That is, the police. Ms. Vargas wants to

enter the building, but the police are investigating the crime and do not want people

walking all around.

[billmcd]

Context:

Stephanie Vargas, 25, said her daughter’s father rents an upstairs room in the building where the home invasion occurred. She said several other people lived in building. Ms. Vargas said she had been trying to reach her child’s father all morning. “They’re not letting me talk to him,” she said. “He’s not answering his phone. They’re not letting me go see him.”
Vivian Sanchez, 55, who has been living on Pine Street across the street from the home where the shooting took place, said she was awakened by the sound of a gunshot early Monday.

More:

Officer Shot and Killed in Brooklyn - NYTimes.com

First, it's not clear who "they" are but I suspect that, under the circumstances, it is the police who might be questioning him about the home invasion and what he might know about the crime. In that case, the reference to "they" in "they're" would be the police.

[iKitty]

NOT A TEACHER

In this context, they might be referring to several people – but it might also be referring to an organisation, as in the following example:

The police are working hard to tackle gun crime, but they need the support of the government. They want all guns banned except sporting pistols used in competitions.



EDIT: I think we all answered the question at the same time!

[NewHopeR]

Got it.

Thank you all.