Major Immigration Enforcement Operation Leads to Arrest of Over 100 Individuals in Colorado Springs Nightclub Raid

Major Immigration Enforcement Operation Leads to Arrest of Over 100 Individuals in Colorado Springs Nightclub Raid

Federal authorities disclosed on Sunday that a significant enforcement operation led to the detention of more than a hundred undocumented immigrants at an underground nightclub in Colorado Springs. Officials indicated that the venue has been linked to criminal organizations, including TdA and the notorious MS-13 gang.

The Drug Enforcement Administration in the Rocky Mountain Division spearheaded the operation early Sunday morning, leading to the arrest of 114 undocumented immigrants among over 200 people present at the location.

During the raid, law enforcement uncovered various illegal substances, including pink cocaine, as well as evidence of prostitution and several firearms, according to the DEA.

The DEA Rocky Mountain branch announced on social media that their partners with the Department of Homeland Security took more than 100 undocumented individuals into custody. Additionally, they affirmed that drugs and weapons were seized during the enforcement action at the underground venue.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi praised the operation, which involved over 300 officials from multiple federal and local agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

In a tweet, Bondi remarked, “This morning, DEA apprehended over 100 undocumented immigrants at an underground nightclub frequented by TdA and MS-13 terrorists. Cocaine, meth, and pink cocaine were seized.”

The operation also saw participation from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, and the Colorado Springs Police Department.

DEA Acting Administrator Derek Maltz previously highlighted that Colorado has become a focal point for some of the most violent criminals in the United States, pointing to the influence of Tren de Aragua.

Concerns have arisen regarding lax immigration policies in Colorado, which Maltz indicated have enabled TdA to use the state as a central hub for human and drug trafficking operations.

Many of the individuals detained during Sunday’s operation are anticipated to face federal immigration charges, according to the DEA Rocky Mountain branch. Bondi mentioned that at least two individuals were apprehended on existing warrants during the raid.

“Our DEA partners and DHS placed patrons who were in the U.S. illegally on buses for processing and eventual deportation,” the DEA Rocky Mountain report stated.

Remarkably, authorities also discovered around a dozen active-duty service members present at the nightclub, with special DEA Rocky Mountain agent Jonathan Pullen informing several outlets that the service members were either patrons or providing armed security within the establishment.

Pullen noted, “I think that everybody who goes into a nightclub at 3 a.m. knows what they’re getting into. The active-duty servicemen present will be dealt with by the Army Criminal Investigation Division. They were on the scene with us and are partners in this investigation.”

The DEA Rocky Mountain office confirmed to reporters that the active-duty service members found at the club have been detained for questioning but are not currently under arrest.

Pullen conveyed a sense of security, stating, “Colorado Springs is waking up to a safer city this Sunday morning.”

As discussions surrounding immigration policies continue, Bondi amplified her support for enforcement measures, asserting, “As we approach the 100 days in office for the President, his directive to enhance safety in America is yielding results.”

Colorado Springs Chief of Police Adrian Vasquez clarified that his department engaged in the operation solely to tackle criminal violations affecting community safety and reiterated that they do not hold the authority to undertake immigration enforcement under state law.

Vasquez stated, “It is the responsibility of the Colorado Springs Police Department to investigate criminal activities and make appropriate arrests. This operation was the culmination of a months-long investigation into serious criminal activity within our community. While the investigation continues, additional arrests for these criminal violations are anticipated. CSPD acknowledges that our federal partners also detained multiple individuals for suspected immigration violations during this operation.”

Reporting from Fox News’ Nicole Wright contributed to this article.