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Authorities detained over 100 individuals suspected of being in the United States illegally following a night-time raid at an alleged underground nightclub located in a strip mall in Colorado Springs.
In addition, more than a dozen active-duty military personnel were present during the operation, with some reportedly involved in the nightclub’s illicit activities.
“Inside this establishment, significant activities such as drug trafficking, prostitution, and violent crimes were taking place,” stated Jonathan C. Pullen, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Rocky Mountain Division, during a press conference on Sunday. “We confiscated a variety of firearms, and active service members were serving as security and participating in these illegal acts. We also found over 100 illegal immigrants on the premises.”
Among the drugs discovered at the nightclub were cocaine and a substance colloquially referred to as “tusi,” according to Pullen.
Those apprehended for suspected immigration violations were placed in custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, while the military members involved were transferred to the US Army Criminal Investigation Division.
As authorities sought further details, CNN made inquiries to both ICE and the US Army.
Video footage released by the DEA depicted federal agents breaking a prominent window of the understated building as individuals attempted to escape, only to be intercepted by armed federal officers. Many of those escaping were dressed in club attire.
Pullen reported that the raid involved hundreds of agents from more than ten federal agencies, with over 200 people present in the club when law enforcement arrived.
The establishment had been under investigation by the DEA and collaborating agencies for several months, documenting various illegal activities, including drug trafficking and prostitution, as well as the involvement of members of groups such as the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and the Hells Angels.
“At this time, I cannot confirm whether individuals from these gangs were present during the raid, but we are currently processing a significant number of those in custody,” Pullen noted.
He added, “This Sunday morning, Colorado Springs is experiencing a much safer environment.”
Stephen Miller, who served as deputy chief of staff under President Donald Trump, addressed the raid on social media platform X, stating that the operation was a collaborative effort between the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice, with additional information expected to be released.
Source
www.yahoo.com