A large-scale raid at an underground nightclub in Colorado Springs resulted in the detention of over a hundred individuals believed to be in the country without legal authorization, according to federal authorities.
The multi-agency operation, spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Rocky Mountain Division early Sunday morning, targeted a venue described as frequented by members of Tren de Aragua (TdA) and MS-13. A total of 114 individuals were apprehended within the club, which reportedly held more than 200 people at the time.
During the raid, law enforcement officials discovered a variety of illicit substances, including pink cocaine, alongside evidence suggesting prostitution and multiple firearms.
“@DHSgov has taken more than 100 illegal aliens into custody,” the DEA Rocky Mountain Division announced on X (formerly Twitter). “Drugs and weapons have also been seized at this underground nightclub in Colorado Springs.”
Acting DEA Chief Derek Maltz described Colorado as a focal point for some of America’s most dangerous criminals, including leadership figures within Tren de Aragua. He stated that permissive immigration policies in the state have allowed TdA to establish a “command and control” center for human and drug trafficking.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi praised the coordinated effort, which involved approximately 300 personnel from various agencies – including the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, and the Colorado Springs Police Department.
“This morning @DEAHQ apprehended over 100 illegal aliens at an underground night club frequented by TdA and MS-13 terrorists,” Bondi stated on X. “Cocaine, meth, and pink cocaine was seized.”
Key Findings from the Raid:
- Over 114 individuals detained for suspected immigration violations.
- Discovery of illicit drugs including pink cocaine.
- Evidence suggesting prostitution.
- Multiple firearms confiscated.
- Approximately a dozen active-duty U.S. service members present, some working as security.
DEA agent Jonathan Pullen confirmed that the service members found at the club were being investigated by Army CID and are currently detained but not under arrest.
“I think that everybody that goes into a nightclub at 3 o’clock in the morning knows what they’re getting into,” Pullen told Denver 7. “The active duty servicemembers who were there will be dealt with by Army CID [Criminal Investigation Division]. They were on scene with us, and they are partners in this investigation.”
Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez clarified that the department’s involvement was limited to addressing criminal violations impacting community safety. He emphasized that the Colorado Springs Police Department is not authorized to enforce immigration laws under state regulations.
“I want to be clear that it is the responsibility of the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) to investigate criminal activity and make arrests when appropriate,” Vasquez said. “While the investigation is ongoing, arrests for these criminal violations are expected. CSPD is aware that our federal partners also detained multiple people for suspected immigration violations during the operation.”
Those apprehended are expected to face potential federal immigration charges. At least two individuals were taken into custody based on existing warrants.
“#DEA partners and @DHSgov placed patrons (in the U.S. illegally) on buses for processing and likely eventual deportation,” DEA Rocky Mountain stated.
“Colorado Springs is waking up to a safer city this Sunday morning,” Pullen added during a press briefing.
