COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – Law enforcement conducted a large-scale operation at what they are calling an underground illegal nightclub early Sunday morning, according to the Rocky Mountain Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
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.
#DEA Rocky Mountain led a multi-agency enforcement operation along with our local and federal partners early this morning.@DHSgov has taken more than 100 illegal aliens into custody. Drugs and weapons have also been seized at this underground nightclub in Colorado Springs. pic.twitter.com/R4Smb3voAg
— DEARockyMountain (@DEAROCKYMTNDiv) April 27, 2025
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.
There were reportedly at least a dozen active-duty military personnel both 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.
🥂 Part of busting up the underground nightclub in Colorado Springs included the arrest of 114 illegal aliens.#DEA partners and @DHSgov placed patrons (in the U.S. illegally) on buses for processing and likely eventual deportation. pic.twitter.com/aLyQUdy5YN
— DEARockyMountain (@DEAROCKYMTNDiv) April 27, 2025
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 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.”
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.
11 News reached out to Army 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 released the following 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.”
And Fort Carson confirmed the presence of Fort Carson service members, sending the following statement:
Fort Carson leaders are aware of the Drug Enforcement Administration-led operation that occurred at an illegal night club in Colorado Springs early Sunday morning.
We acknowledge that there were some Fort Carson service members present at the location during the operation. Each person involved in this incident is presumed innocent until proven guilty. We will look at everyone’s situation on a case-by-case basis.
Illegal activities of any kind do not represent our military values. We will continue to work in coordination with our federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to ensure our community is safe.
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