114 Arrested, Facing Deportation After DEA Raids Illegal Nightclub in Colorado Springs
A major federal operation early Sunday morning led to the arrest of more than 100 individuals at an illegal nightclub in Colorado Springs, with many now facing deportation. Authorities said the nightclub was a hub for serious criminal activity, including drug trafficking, violence, and prostitution.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Rocky Mountain Field Division spearheaded the raid following a months-long investigation, with assistance from over 300 law enforcement officers, including teams from ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the FBI, ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, and several local agencies.
The illegal club, located near the 200 block of South Academy Boulevard, was raided around 3:45 a.m. Sunday after multiple warnings were issued for those inside to exit. Over 200 people were packed inside when law enforcement entered, seizing drugs, firearms, and other contraband.
“This was not just an underground nightclub. This was a center of significant drug trafficking, prostitution, and violent crime,” said Jonathan Pullen, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division, at a press conference. Among the items seized were cocaine, methamphetamine, and “pink cocaine” — a dangerous synthetic drug.
Authorities also confirmed the presence of gang members, including individuals associated with the violent Tren de Aragua (TdA), MS-13, and Hells Angels. While it remains unclear if any gang leaders were among those arrested, federal officials underscored the serious security threat posed by the club’s activities.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the operation, noting it aligned with federal priorities to improve public safety. Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche added that the swift action in Colorado Springs successfully disrupted gang activities and removed over 100 undocumented individuals, now held in ICE ERO custody.
In a surprising development, the DEA revealed that more than a dozen active-duty U.S. military service members were found working security inside the club and may have been involved in criminal activity. Army CID (Criminal Investigations Division) is now investigating alongside the DEA.
Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez said local police participated to address criminal violations but emphasized that CSPD does not enforce immigration laws under Colorado state law.
Meanwhile, the DEA indicated that patrons found in the country illegally were placed on buses for processing and potential deportation. The arrests come amid a broader federal push to expand detention facilities and ramp up immigration enforcement across Colorado and neighboring states.
Officials across the region weighed in on the raid. Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly pointed to Colorado’s sanctuary policies as a factor in rising illegal immigration, pledging to support federal efforts wherever state law permits. Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade commended the operation, stating, “Criminal activity of any kind, from anyone, will not be tolerated.”
This raid follows a similar DEA operation earlier this year in Adams County, where another makeshift nightclub was shut down and over 40 individuals were arrested for immigration violations.
