DEA raids Colorado underground nightclub, 100 immigrants detained
100+ migrants arrested in Colorado nightclub raid
A Drug Enforcement Administration raid in Colorado resulted in the detention of dozens of people who are suspected of being in the United States illegally. The raid happened during the overnight hours this weekend in Colorado Springs.
A Drug Enforcement Administration raid in Colorado resulted in the detention of dozens of people who are suspected of being in the United States illegally.
DEA raid in Colorado Springs
What we know:
The raid happened during the overnight hours this weekend in Colorado Springs.
DEA officials said more than 100 immigrants suspected of being in the United States illegally were taken into custody.
An undisclosed amount of drugs and number of guns were also seized.
Also among those detained were a dozen active-duty military members who were either patrons or working as armed security. Some patrons were arrested on undisclosed outstanding warrants.
What we don't know:
Authorities didn’t specify the countries where the detained immigrants were from.
Image: Rock Mountain DEA
Video perspective:
DEA Rocky Mountain posted a video that showed agents announcing their presence outside the building and ordering patrons to leave with their hands up.
The video showed dozens of people running outside after federal agents smashed a window.
Underground nightclub
Dig deeper:
The raid took place at an illegal after-hours nightclub, authorities said, that had been under investigation for several months for alleged activities including drug trafficking, prostitution and "crimes of violence," Jonathan Pullen, special agent in charge of the DEA's Rocky Mountain Division, said Sunday during a news conference.
By the numbers:
More than 200 people were estimated to have been inside the nightclub.
More than 300 law enforcement officers and officials from multiple agencies responded.
What they're saying:
"When the cops showed up at the door, most of the drugs hit the floor," Pullen said.
"Colorado Springs is waking up to a safer community today," he added.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi posted about the raid on X to say that President Trump’s directive to "make America safe again" was achieving results.
RELATED: FBI arrests Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan; accused of obstructing ICE arrest
Trump’s immigration crackdown
Big picture view:
During his second stint as U.S. president, Donald Trump’s unprecedented campaign of immigration enforcement has pushed the limits of executive power, and he has clashed with federal judges trying to restrain him.
The crackdown has included detaining more than 1,000 international college students, some of whom have seen their legal status restored, at least temporarily. The policies have slowed immigration at the southern border to a relative trickle.
The other side:
Earlier this month a federal judge in Colorado temporarily blocked deportations of immigrants who face possible removal under Trump’s invocation of an 18th century law known as the Alien Enemies Act.
RELATED: Supreme Court blocks Trump deportations under Alien Enemies Act, for now
Meanwhile:
In Florida this weekend, nearly 800 people also suspected of being in the United States illegally were arrested during an multi-day ICE operation known as Operation Tidal Wave, FOX News reported.
The Source: Information in this article was taken from social media posts made by the DEA and the Rocky Mountain branch of the DEA, as well as information given by Jonathan Pullen, special agent in charge of the DEA's Rocky Mountain Division, during a press conference Sunday, as reported by The Associated Press. Background information on President Trump’s immigration crackdown was taken from previous FOX Television Station reportings and The Associated Press.