Early Sunday, federal agents detained more than 100 immigrants suspected of living illegally in the United States. The arrests followed a raid at an illegal after-hours nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado, authorities confirmed.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) posted videos online showing the operation. In one video, agents can be heard announcing themselves and ordering everyone inside to exit with their hands up. Other footage captured dozens of people running out of the building after agents broke a window to enter. Later, videos showed many individuals handcuffed and standing on a sidewalk, awaiting transportation.

Immigration Crackdown Under Trump’s Second Term

Donald Trump, during his second term as U.S. president, has taken aggressive actions on immigration enforcement. His efforts have often pushed the boundaries of executive power and sparked battles with federal judges trying to limit his actions. This ongoing crackdown has included detaining over 1,000 international college students — although some students managed to temporarily regain their legal status. Meanwhile, immigration across the southern border has dropped significantly.

Details of the Colorado Springs Operation

In Colorado Springs, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officially took the immigrants into custody. Jonathan Pullen, the DEA’s Rocky Mountain Division special agent in charge, spoke about the operation. “Colorado Springs is waking up to a safer community today,” he stated. Colorado Springs, the state’s second-largest city, sits about 70 miles (113 kilometers) south of Denver. According to Pullen, the nightclub had been under investigation for several months. Authorities suspected the club of being involved in drug trafficking, prostitution, and other violent crimes. Over 300 law enforcement officers from different agencies participated in the raid. Pullen revealed that cocaine was among the drugs found during the operation. “When the cops showed up at the door, most of the drugs hit the floor,” Pullen remarked at a press conference. Authorities also seized an undisclosed number of guns during the raid.

Trump's Reaction to the Raid

President Trump shared the DEA’s raid video on his social media platform, Truth Social. He wrote,
“A big Raid last night on some of the worst people illegally in our Country — Drug Dealers, Murderers, and other Violent Criminals, of all shapes and sizes.” Pullen estimated that over 200 people were inside the nightclub at the time of the raid. Among those detained were about a dozen active-duty military members. Some were working as armed security guards, while others were simply patrons. Additionally, some individuals were arrested for having outstanding warrants, although Pullen did not give specific details. He also did not reveal which countries the detained immigrants came from.

Legal Challenges to Immigration Policies

Earlier this month, a federal judge in Colorado temporarily blocked the deportation of immigrants targeted under Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act, an 18th-century law. This legal move has created further hurdles for Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts.