Brade
Federal authorities announced a significant breakthrough in combating organized crime with a massive raid on an underground nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The operation, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Rocky Mountain Division, resulted in the detention of over 100 illegal immigrants and the seizure of drugs, firearms, and evidence of prostitution.
The multi-agency operation, conducted early Sunday morning, involved over 300 officials from various federal and local agencies, including the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, and the Colorado Springs Police Department. Authorities uncovered substances such as pink cocaine, methamphetamine, and other illegal drugs, alongside multiple firearms.
PAMELA BONDI, Attorney General, praised the operation, stating on X, “This morning @DEAHQ apprehended over 100 illegal aliens at an underground night club frequented by TdA and MS-13 terrorists. Cocaine, meth, and pink cocaine were seized.” The venue, reportedly frequented by members of the notorious Tren de Aragua (TdA) and MS-13 gangs, has been described as a hub for human and drug trafficking.
DEREK MALTZ, Acting DEA Administrator, highlighted Colorado’s role as a “ground zero” for violent criminal activity, citing lax immigration policies that have allowed TdA to establish a command and control center in the state. Many of those detained are expected to face federal immigration charges, with at least two individuals arrested on existing warrants.
In a surprising development, about a dozen active-duty U.S. service members were found at the club, either as patrons or working as armed security. JONATHAN PULLEN, a special DEA Rocky Mountain agent, confirmed that the service members are being investigated by the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID). “The active-duty service members who were there will be dealt with by Army CID. They were on scene with us, and they are partners in this investigation,” Pullen told Denver 7.
ADRIAN VASQUEZ, Colorado Springs Chief of Police, emphasized that the department’s involvement was strictly to address criminal activity affecting community safety. “This operation was the result of a months-long investigation into serious criminal activity in our community,” Vasquez said. “While the investigation is ongoing, arrests for these criminal violations are expected.”
The DEA Rocky Mountain Division confirmed that those detained for immigration violations are being processed and will likely face deportation. The operation marks a significant step in addressing organized crime and enhancing public safety in Colorado Springs.
**Sources:**
[DEA Rocky Mountain on X](https://twitter.com/DEARockyMtn)
[Attorney General Pamela Bondi on X](https://twitter.com/PamBondi)
[Denver 7 Report](https://www.thedenverchannel.com)
[Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com)
