More than 100 immigrants were detained in Colorado following a federal raid at a nightclub linked to criminal activity, including drug trafficking and prostitution
In a dramatic early-morning raid on Sunday, federal authorities detained more than 100 immigrants suspected of being in the United States illegally at an illegal after-hours nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The operation, carried out by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), followed months of investigation into the club, which had been implicated in drug trafficking, prostitution, and violent crimes.
Video footage shared by the DEA captured agents approaching the nightclub, instructing patrons to exit with their hands raised. Other clips showed people fleeing the scene as federal agents smashed windows to enter the building. The dramatic scene unfolded with dozens of detained individuals standing in handcuffs on a sidewalk, awaiting transport.
According to Jonathan Pullen, special agent in charge of the DEA’s Rocky Mountain Division, the nightclub had been under investigation for several months due to allegations of illegal activity, including the sale of cocaine, prostitution, and violent crimes. In addition to drug seizures, a number of firearms were recovered during the raid, further solidifying the dangerous environment inside the establishment.
Pullen confirmed that over 300 law enforcement officers from multiple agencies participated in the operation, which targeted what was described as a significant criminal hub. While the exact number of those detained was not confirmed, it was estimated that over 200 people were inside the club at the time of the raid. The detained immigrants were reportedly from various countries, although specific details about their origins were not released.
Among those detained, a dozen active-duty military personnel were also arrested, either as patrons or for working as armed security for the nightclub. Several individuals were arrested due to outstanding warrants, although the specifics were not disclosed. The raid sent a strong message about the crackdown on illegal immigration and criminal activity, with Pullen stating, “Colorado Springs is waking up to a safer community today.”
The raid is part of a broader immigration enforcement initiative under the current U.S. administration, which has seen a sharp increase in deportation and detention operations. The policies, which have faced opposition from federal judges, have included targeting individuals with outstanding warrants and those suspected of being in the country illegally.
Donald Trump championed a tough stance on immigration, with his administration initiating widespread enforcement measures across the country. Trump shared a link to the DEA video on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling the operation a “big raid” targeting “some of the worst people illegally in our Country — Drug Dealers, Murderers, and other Violent Criminals.”
This crackdown comes amid an ongoing legal battle over immigration policies. Earlier this month, a federal judge in Colorado temporarily blocked deportations of certain immigrants, invoking an 18th-century law known as the Alien Enemies Act. The ruling delayed potential deportations of immigrants who face removal under the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement agenda.
While the raid in Colorado Springs highlights the government’s aggressive approach to addressing illegal immigration, it also underscores the ongoing tension surrounding law enforcement actions and the legal challenges they face. Critics argue that such measures often target vulnerable communities and raise concerns over civil rights violations.
As authorities continue their investigation into the nightclub’s operations, the raid serves as a reminder of the government’s commitment to tackling illegal immigration and associated criminal activities. The immediate impact of this raid on Colorado Springs will likely resonate across the state as more enforcement actions unfold in the coming months.
