More than 110 immigrants arrested in drug bust at ‘underground illegal’ nightclub

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV/Gray News) - Multiple law enforcement agencies conducted a large-scale operation at an “underground illegal” nightclub in Colorado Springs early Sunday morning.

The operation took place near Academy Boulevard and Airport Road at 3:45 a.m.

Over 300 federal agents, in addition to local law enforcement officers, participated in the operation.

Rocky Mountain Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) shared video of the operation on X.

Officials said several different crimes took place at this nightclub, including drug trafficking, prostitution and violence.

What the DEA said looked like pink cocaine was seized during the operation, as well as multiple weapons.

At least a dozen active-duty military personnel were working at the club as armed security and participating as patrons. Officials would not say which branch the service members were a part of, nor how many, if any, were in custody.

“It’s obviously concerning to have active-duty military involved. We’re working with our partners at Army CID on that case,” said DEA’s Rocky Mountain Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen. “There’s a lot of military bases here, so it’s not necessarily surprising, but we’re going to take that very seriously.”

The DEA said 114 people in the country illegally were taken into custody by ICE as a result of this operation.

Law enforcement is still investigating whether any of the people inside were a part of the Venezuelan gang Tren De Aragua (TDA).

“In our investigation, we have noticed TDA, MS-13, and a few Hells Angels in this club. I don’t have the information about whether those members were there tonight, but we’re still working through a lot of that because we have so many people in custody. We’re working through a lot of the information about who’s who,” Pullen said.

There were over 200 people inside, and at least half were detained or arrested. The DEA said a few of the people had arrest warrants. Other operations are pending across the city that will determine if there will be more arrests.

KKTV reached out to Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) for a statement and received the following response:

“Army CID is aware of this matter and is currently conducting a joint investigation with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which is the lead agency. As this is an ongoing investigation, we are unable to provide additional information at this time.”

In response to the operation, Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade also released a statement:

“I was briefed ahead of today’s coordinated operation, and I want to thank the DEA’s Rocky Mountain Field Division, the Colorado Springs Police Department, and all of our local, state, and federal partners for their work to enforce the rule of law.

Let me be clear: criminal activity of any kind, from anyone, will not be tolerated in Colorado Springs. This investigation and the execution of these warrants are the result of clear evidence of serious criminal conduct. Our residents deserve to live in a city where the rule of law is upheld and where illegal behavior is met with firm and decisive action. We will continue working together to ensure the safety and well-being of our entire community.”

Copyright 2025 KKTV via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.