In a dramatic overnight operation, authorities in Colorado Springs detained more than 100 immigrants, who are believed to be in the country illegally. This raid targeted an underground nightclub located in a strip mall, described by officials as a hub of illicit activity. Notably, over a dozen active-duty military members were present at the club during the raid, with federal investigators indicating that some were involved in the illegal operations.
At a news conference on Sunday morning, Jonathan C. Pullen, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA's Rocky Mountain Division, outlined the disturbing activities occurring within the nightclub. He stated, “What was happening inside was significant drug trafficking, prostitution, and crimes of violence.” During the operation, authorities seized multiple firearms, underscoring the serious nature of the environment within the club.
Pullen further elaborated that active-duty service members were not only providing security for the nightclub but were also implicated in the illegal activities taking place. "In fact, we had over 100 illegal aliens inside as well,” he added, highlighting the scale of the operation.
Among the drugs recovered during the raid were cocaine and a substance referred to as “pink cocaine,” also known as “tusi.” Those apprehended for being in the U.S. illegally were taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), while the active-duty military personnel were turned over to the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division. CNN has since reached out to both ICE and the U.S. Army for additional information regarding the incident.
Footage released by the DEA on Sunday morning depicted federal agents breaking a large front window of the unassuming building, as individuals attempted to flee into the night, only to be intercepted by armed federal agents. Many of those apprehended were dressed in nightclub attire, emphasizing the club's social atmosphere.
The raid involved hundreds of agents from over 10 federal agencies, revealing the extensive coordination required for such a significant operation. According to Pullen, more than 200 individuals were present at the club when authorities arrived, indicating a high level of activity.
The nightclub had been under surveillance by the DEA and its partner agencies for “a number of months,” with investigators documenting instances of drug trafficking, prostitution, and connections to notorious gangs including the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and the Hells Angels. Pullen noted, “I don’t have the information about whether those members were there tonight, but we’re still working through a lot of that, because we have so many people in custody.”
In his closing remarks, Pullen assured the community, stating, “Colorado Springs is waking up to a safer city this Sunday morning.” The operation has prompted discussions about safety and illegal activities in the area, drawing attention from various sectors, including political figures.
Stephen Miller, who served as President Donald Trump’s deputy chief of staff, commented on the raid via X, noting it was a joint operation between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice. He indicated that further information regarding the raid would be forthcoming, reflecting the broader implications of this significant law enforcement action.
