Federal agents raided an unlicensed underground nightclub in Colorado Springs early Sunday morning, detaining more than 200 individuals, including over a dozen active-duty military personnel, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The multi-agency operation, led by the DEA Rocky Mountain Division and supported by local and federal partners, was prompted by a months-long investigation into suspected criminal activity at a covert venue operating inside a strip mall. The raid took place around 3:45 a.m., after authorities documented evidence of drug trafficking, prostitution, and violence at the location.
#DEA Rocky Mountain led a multi-agency enforcement operation along with our local and federal partners early this morning.@DHSgov has taken more than 100 illegal aliens into custody. Drugs and weapons have also been seized at this underground nightclub in Colorado Springs. pic.twitter.com/R4Smb3voAg
— DEARockyMountain (@DEAROCKYMTNDiv) April 27, 2025
DEA Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen confirmed that among those detained were more than a dozen active-duty service members, some of whom were allegedly working as armed security guards for the establishment.
“We had active-duty service members who were running security at the club and involved in some of these crimes,” Pullen said.
Pullen said the service members have been turned over to the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division for further investigation. The Army has not disclosed details on whether any service members have been formally charged.
Additionally, the operation resulted in the arrest of 114 undocumented immigrants, mostly from Central and South America, who are now in the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Seized from the operations were several firearms and significant quantities of drugs, including cocaine and the synthetic party drug known as “pink cocaine” or “tusi.”
Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade praised the operation, and said that “criminal activity of any kind, from anyone, will not be tolerated in Colorado Springs.” Colorado Governor Jared Polis’ office expressed support for the crackdown, highlighting the state’s commitment to reducing illegal drugs and firearms.
U.S. President Donald Trump also lauded the operation on TruthSocial, stating it targeted “some of the worst people illegally in our Country” and called for stronger judicial action regarding deportations.
His comments came amid broader legal challenges to the administration’s mass deportation initiatives, including a recent Supreme Court pause on the enforcement of the Alien Enemies Act.
