The Drug Enforcement Administration said it detained more than 200 people, including active-duty military members, at an unlicensed underground nightclub in Colorado on Sunday. DEA Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen said alleged gang members from groups including Tren de Aragua and MS-13 were also present at the venue.
At approximately 3:45 a.m. on Sunday, officials launched a “multi-agency enforcement operation” at what they described as an underground nightclub in Colorado Springs. The DEA’s Rocky Mountain Division shared a video on X showing the raid underway. Authorities said close to 300 people were inside the club, and of those, at least 114 were immigrants who DEA officials said were in the country illegally. They are now in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The operation led to the seizure of drugs and weapons, according to the DEA’s Rocky Mountain Division. Around 10 federal agencies, along with the local sheriff’s department, were involved in the raid, which authorities said followed months of investigation and included undercover operations. Drones, a helicopter, and an armored vehicle were used during the raid.
The Army confirmed that service members from Fort Carson were present at the nightclub and said it is conducting a joint investigation with the DEA. The Army did not disclose how many service members were involved, whether any were arrested or charged, or if any remain in custody.
Officials said they also uncovered evidence of prostitution and suspect human trafficking activities were taking place at the nightclub. The venue, described as an event center with a stage and a bar, did not have a liquor license, officials said.
