In a dramatic crackdown on illegal activities, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) detained over 200 individuals, including active-duty military personnel, at an unlicensed underground nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado, early Sunday morning, April 27, 2025. This operation, described as a multi-agency enforcement effort, involved not only the DEA but also U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and around ten other federal agencies, alongside local law enforcement.
The raid occurred at approximately 3:45 a.m. and targeted a venue that had been under investigation for months. Jonathan Pullen, the DEA’s Rocky Mountain Division Special Agent in Charge, indicated that the club was notorious for drug trafficking, prostitution, and violence. “We have some active-duty service members who were armed security guards,” Pullen noted, highlighting the presence of military personnel among the crowd.
According to officials, close to 300 people were inside the nightclub at the time of the raid, and of those, at least 114 were undocumented immigrants. These individuals were subsequently placed in ICE custody for processing and potential deportation. Most of the migrants were reported to be from Central and South America.
During the operation, authorities seized a significant amount of drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine, and a substance referred to as "pink cocaine." Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed these findings, stating, "As we approach his 100 days in office, Trump’s directive to make America safe again is achieving results!" Bondi also mentioned that two individuals were arrested on existing warrants during the operation.
The investigation leading up to the raid utilized a variety of resources, including drones, helicopters, and an armored vehicle, demonstrating the seriousness with which law enforcement approached the situation. The Army confirmed that service members stationed at nearby Fort Carson were involved and are now subject to a joint investigation with the DEA. However, specific details regarding the number of military personnel detained or any potential charges remain unclear. An Army spokesperson stated, "We acknowledge that there were some Fort Carson service members present at the location during the operation," and emphasized that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Mike Moon, the property owner of the venue, expressed his shock at the events, claiming he had no idea of the illegal activities taking place. He noted that the tenants' lease was set to expire at the end of April, indicating that the situation was not only surprising but also politically charged. "It's shocking to me that in this political climate that something like this was even happening and that people thought this was a good idea to do something like this," he told ABC Colorado Springs affiliate KRDO.
The nightclub, described as an event center with a stage and a bar, lacked the necessary liquor license to operate legally. While there were no reported injuries to law enforcement during the raid, one man sustained life-threatening injuries after jumping out of a window in an attempt to escape the scene.
As the dust settles from this large-scale operation, it raises questions about the extent of illegal activities occurring in such venues and the involvement of military personnel. Pullen remarked, "I think everybody who goes into a nightclub at 3 o’clock in the morning knows what they’re getting into," suggesting that the awareness of potential illegalities was not lost on those present.
The operation highlights ongoing concerns about gang activity in the area, with alleged members of criminal organizations such as Tren de Aragua and MS-13 reportedly frequenting the nightclub. Bondi's comments underscore the administration's focus on combating crime and ensuring community safety.
In light of these events, the Army has committed to reviewing each service member’s involvement on a case-by-case basis. "Illegal activities of any kind do not represent our military values," an Army spokesperson stated, reaffirming the military's commitment to uphold the law and cooperate with local and federal authorities.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces in addressing illegal activities that intersect with military personnel and civilian life. As investigations continue, community leaders and law enforcement officials are left to grapple with the implications of such events on public safety and trust.
As authorities work to dismantle the networks behind these illegal operations, the focus will likely remain on ensuring accountability and preventing similar occurrences in the future. The operation not only reflects the DEA's commitment to tackling drug-related crimes but also raises broader questions about the intersection of military life and illegal activities in civilian spaces.
