Major DEA Operation at Underground Nightclub in Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A large-scale federal law enforcement operation took place early Sunday morning at an underground nightclub in Colorado Springs, resulting in the detention of over 100 individuals, including several active duty military service members, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported.

The multi-agency operation began around 3 a.m. and involved more than 300 law enforcement officers from at least 10 federal agencies, including the DEA, FBI, and Homeland Security, according to DEA Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen.

The operation targeted an illegal nightclub suspected of hosting drug trafficking, prostitution, and violent crimes. Pullen stated that gang members, including members of Tren de Aragua and MS-13, have a history of operating at this venue. “Colorado Springs is waking up to a safer city this Sunday morning,” he said.

Officers were seen escorting individuals from the club in handcuffs as law enforcement cordoned off several blocks in the area to conduct the operation, according to reports from the scene.

In the operation, the DEA’s Rocky Mountain Division tweeted that over 100 people in custody were in the U.S. illegally. Drugs and weapons were also seized during the raid. Pullen noted that many of those detained are likely to face federal immigration charges, and some were arrested on outstanding warrants. “It’s unlikely we will be able to file drug charges due to possession difficulties during the bust,” he explained.

Colorado Springs police confirmed their involvement in the operation, stating they were assisting federal partners in executing a warrant for criminal activity. Pullen emphasized the seriousness of the military’s involvement, saying, “It’s obviously concerning to have active-duty military involved.”

While the exact number of detained military personnel remains unclear, officials reported that some served as security at the nightclub while others were patrons. An investigation by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division is underway, focusing on those military members.

The operation marks one of the largest federal enforcement actions in El Paso County this year, amid a crackdown by the DEA. Pullen pointed out that the task force aims to address vulnerabilities in the state that criminals have exploited. “When it comes to immigration, that is just one of the tools in the toolbox that we’re going to use to remove violent criminals from our communities,” he stated.

As of now, law enforcement agencies are still processing the detained individuals, with further operations planned across the city. This is an ongoing story and updates will follow as more information becomes available.