More than 100 undocumented immigrants were arrested during a federal operation at an illegal nightclub in Colorado Springs, United States. The raid, which took place in the early hours of April 27, was carried out by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) alongside other law enforcement agencies.
At least 114 individuals were detained during the operation, with many expected to face deportation procedures. Jonathan Pullen, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Rocky Mountain Division, said the raid uncovered extensive criminal activities including drug trafficking, prostitution, and violent offenses. Several firearms and multiple packages of drugs, including cocaine and the synthetic mix known as “pink cocaine” or “tusi,” were seized.
Authorities revealed that more than 300 officers and agents participated in the months-long investigation, which culminated in the nighttime assault on the underground venue. Footage released by the DEA showed heavily armed officers in tactical gear breaching the premises and detaining numerous patrons. Some suspects were seen attempting to flee but were quickly apprehended.
Among those arrested were over a dozen active-duty military personnel, some of whom were working as armed security, while others were part of the crowd. Their involvement is now the subject of an internal military investigation.
The operation unfolded as part of a broader clampdown on undocumented migrants and criminal networks across the U.S. Only a day earlier, authorities announced that nearly 800 individuals had been detained under “Operation Tidal Wave” in Florida.
Attorney General Pam Bondi claimed that the nightclub was linked to members of dangerous gangs, including TdA (Tren de Aragua) and MS-13. Two individuals with outstanding warrants were also taken into custody during the raid.
While the Trump administration continues its aggressive immigration enforcement drive, the presence of Venezuelan gang members has been cited as a justification for mass deportations. Venezuelan authorities, however, argue that the Tren de Aragua group was dismantled in 2023 and that current claims of its activities are politically motivated.
Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez stated that the raid followed a prolonged investigation into serious criminal conduct affecting the local community. He clarified that his department’s involvement was limited to addressing criminal offenses, as state law prohibits local police from conducting immigration enforcement.
The city of Colorado Springs, located about 70 miles south of Denver, now faces ongoing investigations as officials work to determine the full extent of the criminal enterprise linked to the clandestine nightclub.
