The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in conjunction with several law enforcement agencies, conducted a significant raid at an underground nightclub in Colorado Springs on Sunday, resulting in the arrest of over 100 individuals believed to be in the United States illegally. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts of federal authorities to address illegal immigration and associated criminal activities.

According to a post made by the DEA's Rocky Mountain Division on social media platform X, a total of 114 immigrants were apprehended during the raid and subsequently placed on buses for processing, which may lead to their eventual deportation. The operation not only targeted undocumented immigrants but also sought to dismantle illegal drug operations linked to violent crime.

In a separate announcement, the DEA described the enforcement action as a multi-agency operation that took place at the nightclub early Sunday morning. This operation led to the seizure of various drugs and firearms, highlighting concerns about substance abuse and violence associated with such venues.

Witnesses and videos released by the DEA depicted a chaotic scene as agents executed the raid. Footage showed an agent breaking through a glass window of the nightclub before individuals began to flee through the front door, where law enforcement officers were waiting. Many patrons were seen raising their hands or lying on the ground as officers shouted commands, some of whom had their weapons drawn. The situation escalated quickly as around 3:45 a.m. local time, the operation commenced, with more than 200 people present inside the club at the time.

Attorney General Pam Bondi commented on the operation, stating that the nightclub was known to be frequented by members of violent groups, specifically mentioning Tda and MS-13 terrorists. This reference likely pertains to Tren de Aragua, a criminal gang from Venezuela that has been a focus of previous deportation efforts by the Trump administration.

As of now, NPR has not been able to confirm the immigration status of those arrested, nor has there been any definitive evidence presented linking the arrested individuals to gang activities. Bondi further reported that two individuals were apprehended on existing warrants during the operation, and authorities confiscated various illegal substances, including cocaine, methamphetamine, and a form of synthetic cocaine referred to as pink cocaine.

During the raid, DEA Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen provided insight into the operation's objectives, stating that the activities occurring inside the nightclub were indicative of significant drug trafficking, prostitution, and violent crimes. He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting the seizure of numerous firearms from the premises.

Interestingly, Pullen revealed that among the patrons and those employed as armed security at the nightclub were more than a dozen active duty service members, raising questions about the involvement of military personnel in illicit activities.