Will charges be filed for the over 100 people taken into custody at DEA nightclub operation?
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — There is still no word on charges that could be filed after an illegal nightclub operation in Colorado Springs that led to the detainment of more than 100 people who federal officials say entered the U.S. illegally.
Officials said there was drug trafficking and prostitution inside the club. Earlier this year, Drug Enforcement Administration agents took more than 40 people who they said entered the U.S. illegally into custody in Adams County at what they called a 'makeshift' nightclub, but no one faced drug charges in that operation.
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A spokesperson with the DEA, the agency leading the investigation, told FOX31 from his understanding, 105 undocumented immigrations are in ICE custody and referred the question to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
When asked about potential charges, an ICE spokesperson said a two-hour deadline was not realistic to answer any questions, and they may have more information to share by the close of business day Tuesday. Meanwhile, we learned more about the Douglas County Sheriff's Office's role in the operation.
'I was aware of the danger and risks involved with that. I was also aware of the potential for potential gang members as well as weapons being on scene,' said Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly. 'So, it was a no-brainer for me to authorize our SWAT team to help.'
Nine deputies with the DCSO were a part of a group of more than 300 law enforcement officers who assisted with the major illegal nightclub raid in Colorado Springs early Sunday morning. Colorado's local law enforcement is prevented from aiding in immigration-related arrests, but is authorized to help with federal criminal matters, like drugs and prostitution.
'We provided a Bearcat armored vehicle as well as a Rook vehicle and drone support, as well as a SWAT medic,' said Weekly.
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This armored bulletproof vehicle, called a Rook, helped officers with the operation.
'We can raise SWAT operators up to elevated areas. It creates barriers, it has a shield so they can move SWAT operators to various locations,' Weekly said. 'It can knock down walls, it can send projectiles or gas in through walls. So, it has special attachments to be able to do that. It's kind of a smaller armored version of a bear cat. It's really an amazing type of vehicle. It's kind of a game changer for SWAT teams and has the ability to put SWAT operators/ officers in various locations that we normally could not do that without putting them in much greater risks.'
The DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division shared photos from inside that nightclub, where officials say pink cocaine and numerous weapons were seized.
During the months-long investigation, federal officials did undercover work and conducted surveillance.
'I had agents out there doing surveillance two weeks ago and these idiots showing up at this club were driving around shooting their guns off out of the car window,' said DEA Rocky Mountain field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen. 'So, this is a dangerous environment and I'm glad we're able to do something about it.'
Officials say the club was frequented by Tren de Aragua, MS-13 members and Hells Angels. It's not clear if any members were detained in the raid.
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'During the Biden administration, they received 170 911 calls to that club alone,' Pam Bondi, U.S. Attorney General, said on FOX and Friends. 'That club we were just watching 170 calls … wouldn't you think that would have been a red flag?'
'This is the beginning of the investigation, not the end. We are looking at who is supplying the drugs and we're looking at how they are laundering the money,' said Pullen. 'Listen, my agents have been in that club. They've done undercover work there, so there will be charges filed at the end. This is a dangerous spot.'
FOX31 also reached out to the El Paso District Attorney's Office about potential charges, but was referred to a release they put out earlier Monday. There is no word on charges.
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