Over one hundred individuals apprehended after being suspected of residing illegally in the United States were detained during an early morning federal operation at an unauthorized after-hours nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado, as reported by authorities.
Footage shared by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) captures agents declaring their presence outside the location, instructing attendees to exit with their hands elevated. Additional videos depict a mass exodus as people fled through the entrance after agents shattered a window. Numerous individuals were later seen restrained in handcuffs, standing on the sidewalk, awaiting transportation.
During his return to the presidency, Donald Trump has aggressively pursued an immigration enforcement campaign marked by unparalleled actions, which have expanded the boundaries of executive authority. His administration has frequently found itself at odds with federal judiciary branches attempting to impose limitations. This crackdown strategy has included the apprehension of over 1,000 international students, some of whom have subsequently had their legal status temporarily reinstated. These policies have significantly reduced the flow of immigration across the southern border.
On Sunday in Colorado, officials from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained those attending the nightclub, as confirmed by Jonathan Pullen, the DEA’s special agent leading the Rocky Mountain Division.
“Today, Colorado Springs is experiencing a heightened sense of safety,” stated Pullen. The city ranks as the second largest in Colorado and is situated approximately 70 miles (113 kilometers) to the south of Denver.
In collaboration, more than 300 law enforcement officers and officials from various agencies responded forcefully to the nightclub, which had been subjected to a multi-month investigation due to allegations spanning drug trafficking, prostitution, and violent crimes, according to Pullen at a press briefing. Cocaine was one of the narcotics discovered on the premises, he noted.
“Once law enforcement made their entry, the drugs were rapidly disposed of onto the floor,” Pullen remarked. He also mentioned that an undisclosed amount of firearms had been confiscated.
Following the raid, Trump shared the DEA’s video on his own social media platform, Truth Social, commenting, “Last night a major raid targeted some notorious individuals residing in our nation unlawfully — drug traffickers, killers, and a range of violent offenders.”
Pullen estimated that the nightclub housed over 200 individuals at the time of the raid. This included more than a dozen active-duty military personnel present as patrons or employed as armed security. Collaboration with the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division will determine the subsequent actions regarding the military members involved. Additionally, Pullen mentioned several patrons were arrested on undisclosed outstanding warrants.
The detainees’ countries of origin were not disclosed by Pullen.
Earlier this month, a federal judge in Colorado issued a temporary suspension of deportations related to Trump’s application of the Alien Enemies Act, a regulation originating from the 18th century, impacting immigrants facing potential removal.
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The story was initially published on April 27, 2025, and updated on April 28, 2025, to clarify Jonathan Pullen’s comments regarding collaboration with the Army concerning the service members present at the club as either patrons or security. It was specified that active-duty military personnel were not among the detained.