FBI Raids Antioch Nightclub in Drug and Human Trafficking Investigation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A large law enforcement presence conducted a raid at a nightclub in Antioch early Sunday morning as part of a drug and human trafficking investigation. The FBI confirmed that agents began executing authorized search and arrest warrants at approximately 5:30 a.m. at the Miami nightclub located at 2045 Antioch Pike.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as law enforcement entered the venue. Leónidas Zelaya, who was present during the raid, noted the panic among club-goers. “There were a lot of people in panic and afraid of everything and being arrested,” he recounted. Zelaya stated that after sitting for about an hour in the grass, he and others were eventually released without charges.

Another witness, who chose to remain anonymous, recounted, “You could hear stun grenades going off.” This unsettling atmosphere contributed to fears of violence and left many questioning the safety of nightclubs in the area. Several individuals were detained and questioned during the operation, although most were later released by law enforcement.

District 32’s Council Member Joy Styles confirmed the focus of the investigation on drug and human trafficking. She noted that similar illegal activities were occurring at other businesses in the area. “In Antioch, we’ve had an issue with these nightclubs in strip malls,” Styles explained. “It was Miami today, it was Soho House on Bell Road a few months ago. I’ve had the Skybar Lounge. There was another nightclub in a strip mall down Antioch Pike.”

Styles expressed her uncertainty about the attraction of such venues. “I’m not really sure what the allure is to having a club/lounge, which is where most people are coming to do regular day-to-day activities, but I think that it’s a stupid idea, and I hope people will stop doing it,” she said.

While Styles clarified that the other clubs she mentioned have not been investigated for drug and human trafficking, she acknowledged that some have been associated with noise complaints and shootings.

District 28’s Council Member David Benton is scheduled to hold a meeting on Wednesday to address the events surrounding the raid and potential solutions moving forward.