In a sweeping operation early Sunday morning, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), alongside Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stormed an unlicensed after-hours nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado, detaining over 100 individuals—including more than a dozen active-duty military personnel.

The raid, which took place after months of undercover investigation, exposed a hub of illicit activity involving drugs, weapons, and organized crime figures.

The nightclub, operating underground without any formal license, had drawn significant attention from federal law enforcement after repeated reports of violent incidents, suspected drug trafficking, and prostitution. When agents arrived at the scene, they found approximately 200 people inside the venue.

Among those detained were 114 undocumented immigrants, whom the DEA said were transported for processing and potential deportation.

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Perhaps most surprising was the presence of active-duty service members at the venue. According to DEA officials, several troops were working as armed security guards for the club, while others appeared to be patrons.

“We have some active-duty service members who were armed security guards,” said Jonathan Pullen, special agent in charge of the DEA’s Rocky Mountain Division.

At a press conference following the raid, Pullen said the investigation had confirmed repeated criminal activity at the location, including drug sales and acts of violence.

Asked by local outlet KOAA 5 whether the soldiers were aware of the illegal nature of the club, Pullen stated, “I think everybody who goes into a nightclub at 3 o’clock in the morning knows what they’re getting into.”

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The military connection has drawn sharp attention, given the values of discipline and integrity expected of service members.

The Army confirmed that the troops involved were stationed at Fort Carson, a major Army installation located just south of Colorado Springs and home to the 4th Infantry Division.

“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,” a spokesperson for the installation said.

“We acknowledge that there were some Fort Carson service members present at the location during the operation.”

While the Army did not specify how many soldiers were detained or what roles they played, the spokesperson emphasized that leadership is taking the situation seriously.

“We will review each of the service members’ situations on a case-by-case basis,” the spokesperson said, stressing that the soldiers are “presumed innocent until proven guilty.”

Still, the Army made clear that any criminal involvement would be a serious violation of military standards.

“Illegal activities of any kind do not represent our military values,” the spokesperson continued.

“We will continue to work in coordination with our federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to ensure our community is safe.”

Beyond the military implications, federal authorities believe the venue had ties to broader criminal networks.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi weighed in on the raid on social media, claiming that members of two notorious gangs—MS-13 and the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua—were known to frequent the nightclub.

“As we approach his 100 days in office, Trump’s directive to make America safe again is achieving results!” Bondi wrote in her statement, applauding the operation.

The detained immigrants, many of whom were not carrying identification, were placed on buses and transported to processing centers.

The DEA stated that their presence at the venue, along with the recovery of narcotics and weapons, reinforced concerns that the club was functioning as a haven for criminal behavior.

While no formal charges against the service members have been announced yet, military legal experts note that those found to have knowingly participated in illegal activity could face military justice proceedings under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), in addition to potential civilian charges.

The incident has ignited concern both in military circles and among residents of Colorado Springs, a city with a strong military presence and deep ties to nearby bases.

As investigations continue, law enforcement and military officials alike are working to determine the full scope of the operation and its broader implications.

For now, federal agencies are touting the raid as a significant blow to illegal underground networks in the region.

The DEA has not ruled out further arrests as it continues its investigation into the nightclub and its operators.

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