DEA busts drug traffickers in makeshift nightclub, takes 50 illegal aliens into custody

Federal agents took nearly 50 illegal immigrants into custody early Sunday during an operation targeting the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA)’s networks in Colorado. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Rocky Mountain Field Division said its agents, as well as partners at the Denver offices for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted an early morning operation targeting drug trafficking and TdA members in Adams County, Colorado. 

The early morning raid targeted what federal authorities deemed a “makeshift nightclub” in Adams County that was “invite-only.” The DEA said “dozens connected to the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang were there.” 

Another post included video of the bus used to take the nearly 50 illegal immigrants away from the scene. The DEA said many of those detained are connected with TdA gang from Venezuela but did not specify the breakdown. 

The operation comes as President Donald Trump’s border czar Tom Homan is spearheading his mass deportation strategy, first prioritizing apprehending criminal illegal immigrants across the country. 

DEA agents seen with handcuffed illegal immigrants outside a makeshift nightclub, where alleged Tren de Aragua gang affiliates were apprehended.  (DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division)

Since Trump took office, ICE raids have been reported in Colorado, New York City, Buffalo, N.Y., Boston, California, and Minnesota so far, and hundreds of illegal immigrants have been detained. 

The White House said deportation flights have also begun. Trump said Sunday that the U.S. would launch retaliatory measures against Colombia for refusing two deportation flights. 

Fox News’ Bill Melugin contributed to this report.