More than 100 individuals suspected of being in the U.S. unlawfully were apprehended in an overnight raid at an underground nightclub in east-central Colorado, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Over 114 people were taken into custody and transported for processing and potential deportation in Colorado Springs on April 27 as part of an enforcement operation and drug investigation involving over 300 officers and agents from various agencies, stated DEA Rocky Mountain Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen.
Officials revealed that the underground nightclub was involved in significant drug trafficking, prostitution, and violent crimes, with a number of firearms seized on the premises.
Various drugs, including cocaine and "pink cocaine" or "tusi," were recovered at the site, along with the presence of active-duty service members, some of whom were working as armed security, while others were patrons.
Individuals suspected of being undocumented immigrants were taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with the Army Criminal Investigation Division tasked with investigating the detained service members.
Following the raid, which took place after nearly 800 arrests in Florida under Operation Tidal Wave, officials have not publicly identified any of the individuals detained at the nightclub.
President Donald Trump's administration has been actively cracking down on immigration, resulting in highly publicized raids across the country in recent months.
During the operation at the nightclub, authorities issued multiple warnings before making arrests, with officers and agents seen in tactical gear outside the building.
Attorney General Pam Bondi alleged that the nightclub was frequented by TdA and MS-13 terrorists, with two individuals arrested on existing warrants.
The Trump administration's focus on Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang, has led to the deportation of hundreds of Venezuelan migrants, although Venezuelan officials claim the gang was dismantled in 2023.
Colorado Springs Police Department Chief Adrian Vasquez stated that the raid was the result of a months-long investigation into criminal activities, emphasizing that their involvement was solely focused on addressing criminal violations affecting community safety.
Contributing: John Bacon, USA TODAY; Reuters