Press Release: DEA Raids Colorado Nightclub, Arrests Over 100 Illegal Immigrants Amid Drug Bust
In a significant operation on Sunday, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) raided an illegal nightclub in Colorado Springs, leading to the arrest of more than 100 individuals, believed to be residing in the country unlawfully. The event was marked by alarming activities, including drug trafficking, gun possession, and prostitution.
Jonathan Pullen, Special Agent in Charge for the DEA’s Rocky Mountain Division, emphasized the gravity of the situation, revealing that the illegal drugs seized during the raid were linked to the notorious Sinaloa cartel. Pullen underscored the DEA’s intensified efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis, stating, "We’ve seized enormous amounts of fentanyl this year," contrary to predictions of decreased availability due to tighter border controls.
Despite a notable decline in fentanyl-related deaths nationally and statewide, the presence of the drug persists, prompting concerns of stockpiling by Mexican cartels on U.S. soil. The operation aimed primarily at drug enforcement, inadvertently leading to the apprehension of individuals from various countries, including El Salvador, Venezuela, Honduras, and Mexico.
This raid reflects a shift in policy under the Trump administration, granting the DEA Title 8 authority to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when encountering illegal immigrants. "Our choices previously were to wait until the investigation ran its course," Pullen noted, highlighting the urgency in addressing ongoing drug sales.
Additionally, a Fort Carson Army staff sergeant, Juan Gabriel Orona-Rodriguez, was arrested on drug charges amidst the bust, which involved approximately 17 active-duty service members present at the nightclub. The DEA’s proactive measures are aimed at curtailing the flow of fentanyl and enhancing public safety in Denver and beyond.
