In a major operation early Sunday morning, law enforcement officials apprehended 114 immigrants at a hidden nightclub in Colorado Springs, according to the Daily Mail. The raid, coordinated by the Rocky Mountain Division of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), involved multiple local and federal law enforcement units.
Around 3 a.m., armed officers encircled the venue, triggering chaos among club attendees. The Daily Mail reported that several women dressed in formal attire and stilettos appeared distressed by the events, while others dropped to the floor upon seeing law enforcement.
One clubgoer, clearly terrified, immediately dropped to his knees with raised hands when confronted by police, the Daily Mail stated.
The raid was conducted as part of an ongoing probe into narcotics distribution, sex work, and criminal activity at the venue, according to DEA officials.
Jonathan Pullen, lead special agent for the Rocky Mountain DEA division, indicated that the club was known to attract members from dangerous organizations including Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and the Hells Angels. Though he noted to the Daily Mail that “determining the exact number of gang members present during the raid remains challenging.” The publication also mentioned that many arrestees were not unauthorized immigrants.
The case grew more complex with the discovery that over twelve active military members were present in the club, some as patrons and others working security.
The Army launched a probe through its Criminal Investigations Division, Pullen confirmed.
Most detainees were placed in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, reported the Daily Mail. Officers seized multiple firearms and narcotics, including “pink cocaine” or “tusi.” Labs are currently testing all recovered substances.
“Our city is safer this Sunday morning,” declared Jonathan Pullen confidently. He mentioned that most suspects will face federal immigration violations. However, he admitted few would be charged with drug possession due to difficulties proving ownership during such raids.
This Colorado operation follows a recent ICE initiative in Florida called “Operation Tidal Wave.” The campaign resulted in roughly 800 immigrant arrests. Notable captures included Colombian murderer Jose Sanchez Reyes, suspected MS-13 member Rafael Juarez Cabrera who illegally entered the US thrice, and Russian fugitive Savva Klishchevskii, wanted internationally for manslaughter.
ICE Director Todd Lyons explained to ABC News that this large-scale approach aimed to “protect communities and eliminate threats to public safety.”
Speaking to the Boston Herald recently, Todd Lyons previewed upcoming major operations in Boston.
Throughout the weekend, authorities arrested several immigrants in Winthrop, a predominantly Hispanic section of East Boston.
