A sweeping DEA-led operation has shut down an underground nightclub in Colorado Springs, uncovering a sprawling criminal operation that included drugs, weapons, and human trafficking. The raid, which took place early Sunday morning, involved over 300 law enforcement officers and resulted in the detention of more than 100 undocumented individuals and several active-duty military personnel. Authorities say the raid is one of the largest of its kind in the state’s recent history.
Mike Moon, the owner of the building where the illegal nightclub operated, states he had no knowledge of any illicit activity taking place on his property. Moon explains that the lease with the current tenants was set to expire soon, and that they had already been instructed to vacate by the end of the month. He describes the situation as baffling and expresses frustration that such extensive criminal activity could occur without his awareness.
The raid, coordinated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) along with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, focused on dismantling suspected links to notorious gangs such as Tren de Aragua and MS-13. Authorities say the clandestine nightclub served as a hub for criminal operations ranging from drug distribution to human trafficking.
In a public statement, Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade declared that the city “will not tolerate criminal activity,” emphasizing that public safety remains a top priority. He praised law enforcement agencies for their swift and coordinated action, calling the raid a major victory against organized crime networks operating in the region.
Adding another alarming dimension to the incident, the Army Criminal Investigation Division is now probing the involvement of approximately a dozen active-duty U.S. servicemembers who were among those detained during the raid. Investigators are working to determine the extent of their connections to the nightclub’s operations, and whether any military regulations or laws were violated.
Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has also weighed in, revealing new and shocking details during media appearances. Bondi stated that law enforcement is investigating whether the nightclub had deeper operational links to international criminal enterprises beyond Tren de Aragua and MS-13, suggesting that the bust could uncover a much broader network extending beyond Colorado.
Back history on the groups involved paints a grim picture. Tren de Aragua, originating from Venezuela, has rapidly expanded its footprint across South and Central America and is known for involvement in extortion, drug trafficking, and human smuggling. MS-13, originating from Los Angeles with Salvadoran roots, is one of the most violent transnational gangs in the world, known for brutal enforcement tactics and widespread criminal enterprises.
Authorities continue to process evidence collected from the raid, including narcotics, firearms, cash, and digital records, which they believe could lead to further arrests and indictments in the coming weeks. Officials have not ruled out additional raids or broader charges as the investigation unfolds.
The incident highlights growing concerns among law enforcement about the infiltration of international gangs into U.S. cities, as well as the challenges posed by underground criminal operations hidden within seemingly ordinary properties. For residents of Colorado Springs, the raid serves as a stark reminder that organized crime can flourish quietly — until exposed.
Source Links:
- More than 100 migrants arrested in Colorado nightclub raid
- Bondi reveals shocking new details on Colorado nightclub raid
