Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
Mass Detention at Colorado Nightclub: Undocumented Immigrants and Illegal Activity
An estimated 114 undocumented immigrants were apprehended at what officials described as an “underground nightclub” in Colorado during a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) operation. The raid, executed after a prolonged investigation, uncovered alleged drug activity and other offenses, sparking reactions across the political spectrum and raising concerns among immigration advocates.
DEA Operation Details
Jonathan Pullen, the DEA’s special agent in charge in Denver, stated that the detentions followed a months-long probe into the Colorado Springs venue, culminating in the Saturday night raid that extended into early Sunday. According to Pullen, some individuals were taken into custody due to outstanding state warrants. Former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi specified that two people were arrested based on warrants.
Discovery of Weapons, Drugs, and Military Personnel
Inside the establishment, authorities discovered firearms, narcotics, and more than a dozen active-duty military personnel allegedly posing as patrons or working as armed security, according to Pullen.
- “As you may suspect, when the cops showed up at the door, most of the drugs hit the floor, and we did find cocaine,” he stated.
- “We haven’t had time to test everything, but there were dozens of small packages.”
The Army Criminal Investigation Division was present during the raid and is assisting with the inquiry, Pullen noted.
DEA’s Social Media Presence
The DEA released video footage on social media capturing the moments preceding the raid. It shows law enforcement officers in tactical attire surrounding the location and includes audio warnings in both English and Spanish, instructing those inside to exit peacefully.
Allegations of Drug Trafficking and Prostitution
Pullen asserted that the club, located in what appears to be a strip mall, served as a hub for narcotics transactions and prostitution. Law enforcement had been monitoring events at the location for several months.
Ongoing Investigation
“What was happening inside was significant drug trafficking, prostitution, crimes of violence,” Pullen explained. “We seized a number of guns in there.” He suggested that the inquiry that led to the operation is still underway, stating that authorities “actually have a few other operations pending” throughout the city.
Political Reactions
Former President Donald Trump posted video of the raid to his Truth Social account, alleging that some of those apprehended are murderers and other violent criminals. However, the DEA has not identified anyone accused of murder among those detained.
- Trump characterized it as “a big raid last night on some of the worst people illegally in our country.”
Bondi stated on X that members of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang, as well as of the Los Angeles-founded MS-13 gang, were detained. Both gangs have been repeatedly identified as violent threats to the United States.
Pullen said agents conducting surveillance at the venue spotted people they believe to be Tren de Agua and MS-13 members, as well as members of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang.
Bondi commended Trump for “achieving results” in his mission to “make America safe again.”
Concerns from Advocates
Large-scale roundups of individuals suspected of being in the country illegally have historically raised concerns among advocates for immigrants, as well as civil liberties lawyers.
The Colorado Rapid Response Network, which offers information about raids to immigrant communities, urged relatives of those detained to remind them of their right to remain silent, their right not to sign any documents, and their right to request legal counsel.
“We don’t know all the facts,” the group stated on Facebook.
Eyewitness Account
Jose Dominguez, who attended the party, recounted in an interview with NBC affiliate KUSA of Denver that law enforcement placed him and others in handcuffs until their legal status in the United States could be verified.
“Then they let me go,” he said, “as if nothing happened.”