FBI Raids Nashville Nightclub Amid Drug, Human Trafficking Probe

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A significant law enforcement operation unfolded early Sunday morning when the FBI executed search and arrest warrants at a Nashville nightclub as part of an ongoing drug and human trafficking investigation.

At approximately 5:30 a.m., agents arrived at the Miami nightclub, located at 2045 Antioch Pike in Antioch, Tennessee. A source inside the venue described a scene of chaos as patrons reacted to the sudden intrusion.

Leónidas Zelaya, a witness to the raid, recounted, “There were a lot of people in panic and afraid of everything and being arrested. After everything became normal, they released us.” According to Zelaya, he and others were briefly detained before being let go.

Another individual who was at the nightclub and requested to remain anonymous noted, “You could hear stun grenades going off.” This suggests a heavy law enforcement presence, as tactical officers were deployed for the operation. Multiple individuals were detained and questioned before authorities cleared the scene.

Joy Styles, District 32’s council member, confirmed that the raid stemmed from investigations into drug and human trafficking activities in the area. Styles expressed concerns regarding other businesses nearby that might also be involved in illegal conduct.

“In Antioch, we’ve had an issue with these nightclubs in strip malls,” Styles stated. “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. 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.”

Styles clarified that the prior strip mall clubs she cited were not under investigation for drug and trafficking issues, but were primarily related to noise complaints and isolated incidents of violence.

This incident has prompted District 28’s Council Member David Benton to schedule a meeting for Wednesday to further discuss the implications of the raid and steps moving forward.

As authorities continue their investigations, community discussions surrounding the safety and regulations of nightlife establishments in Antioch are expected to intensify.