The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported the detention of over 200 individuals, including active military personnel, at an unauthorized underground nightclub in Colorado on Sunday.
DEA Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen indicated that gang members, specifically from Tren de Aragua and MS-13, were among those apprehended at the location.
The operation commenced around 3:45 a.m. in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where officials executed a "multi-agency enforcement operation" targeting the underground venue. A video of the operation was shared by the DEA's Rocky Mountain Division on X.
Out of the crowd of nearly 300 attendees, at least 114 were identified as migrants in the country illegally and are now in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Authorities seized drugs and weapons during the raid, according to the DEA's Rocky Mountain Division.
The operation was coordinated by the DEA and involved approximately 10 federal agencies alongside the local sheriff's department. The investigation spanned several months and included undercover work.
Drones, a helicopter, and an armored vehicle were utilized during the operation.
The Army confirmed that service members from Fort Carson, Colorado, were present at the nightclub and are collaborating with the DEA on an investigation.
The Army did not disclose the number of service members involved, whether any were arrested or remain in custody, or if they face charges.
Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that "cocaine, meth, and pink cocaine were confiscated" during the operation, with two individuals arrested on outstanding warrants.
"As we approach his 100 days in office, @POTUS Trump's directive to enhance safety in America is yielding results!" Bondi remarked.
Authorities also uncovered indications of prostitution and potential human trafficking activities at the nightclub.
Mike Moon, the property owner, expressed his shock to ABC Colorado Springs affiliate KRDO, stating he was unaware of the activities occurring in the space, which was set to have its tenants' lease expire at the end of April.
"It's astonishing to me that in this political climate, something like this could happen, and that anyone thought it was acceptable," Moon commented.
The venue, which features a stage and a bar, lacked a liquor license, according to officials.
While there were no injuries reported among law enforcement, one individual sustained life-threatening injuries after jumping out of a window in an attempt to escape, officials confirmed.