DEA raids underground Colorado Springs club, arrests 114 on immigration-related charges

April 28 (UPI) -- Over the weekend, federal agents apprehended more than 100 individuals at a clandestine nightclub for allegedly lacking proper documentation, marking another step in the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to enforce immigration laws.

Around 300 Drug Enforcement Administration agents along with other law enforcement officers conducted a raid at the Colorado Springs nightclub just before dawn on Sunday, leading to the arrest of 114 individuals, according to the DEA Rocky Mountain Division. said On X, drugs and weapons were discovered at the location. Authorities stated that approximately 200 individuals were present when the operation started.

Special Agent Jonathan Pullen of the DEA told reporters The suspects will be transferred to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and face charges related to immigration matters. Although drugs were discovered at the location, officials probably won’t be capable of pressing drug charges against them, he mentioned.

According to the DEA, two of those taken into custody were subject to pending arrest warrants.

Pullen mentioned that the site had been under observation for several months and was found to be involved in both sexual exploitation and drug trade activities. He also noted that some individuals currently serving in the military were employed as armed security personnel there. Pullen further stated that these service members would face investigation by the Army Criminal Investigation Division, who took part in conducting the raid.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said At location X, members of the Tren de Aragua gang and MS-13 were seen at the nightclub, where they confiscated drugs identified as cocaine, crystal meth, and pink cocaine.

The DEA posted multiple videos Regarding the raid to its X account, there was one recording before the agents entered the premises, depicting authorities issuing several warnings for the nightclub occupants to exit with their hands raised.

The initial arrests took place around 3:45 a.m. MST on Sunday.

President Donald Trump also shared a video of the raid on his Truth Social platform.

"Last night’s major raid targeted some of the most dangerous individuals unlawfully residing in our country — including drug dealers, murderers, and various violent criminals from all walks of life," said Trump. said , although none of those apprehended faced charges related to violence.

The Colorado Rapid Reaction Network informed Those apprehended have their rights upheld, which include the right to stay silent and the right not to respond to questions unless a legal counsel is present.

It stated that the details of the circumstances remained hazy.

The arrests come as the Trump administration has been cracking down on both legal and illegal immigration.

Most controversially, he sent more than 200 Venezuelan immigrants accused of being gang members to El Salvador where they are being detained at a mega prison.

In his rush to detain and expel immigrants, he has faced multiple legal challenges to his immigration strategies.

The previous week, the U.S. Supreme Court paused -- at least for now -- deportations of immigrants under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, which Trump used to ship the Venezuelans to El Salvador.

Trump on Sunday used the raid lash out at judges who have ruled against him and to warn that if the Supreme Court doesn't permit his deportations, it will cause the downfall of the United States.

Should we lose this case in the Supreme Court, everything we hold dear about our nation will cease to exist," the president stated emphatically. "It would turn into a chaotic environment filled with crime. Let’s work together to REBUILD OUR COUNTRY!