A significant law enforcement victory unfolded in Adams County, Colorado, as federal narcotics agents successfully apprehended around 50 illegal aliens in a targeted drug trafficking raid on Sunday.
The individuals detained are reportedly associated with the notorious Venezuelan gang known as Tren de Aragua.
The operation, led by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Rocky Mountain Division in conjunction with various law enforcement agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Denver, took place in the early hours at an illegal makeshift nightclub in the area.
Federal authorities seized significant amounts of illicit drugs, firearms, and large sums of cash during the raid, highlighting the criminal risks associated with illegal immigration.
The DEA Rocky Mountain Division confirmed the operation on social media, sharing on X: “DEA and federal/local partners conducted an early morning operation at a makeshift nightclub in Adams County. Drugs/weapons/cash seized. Approximately 50 illegal aliens were taken into custody by ERO Denver – many are connected with the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang from Venezuela.”
#DEA and federal/local partners conducted an early morning operation at a makeshift nightclub in Adams County. Drugs/weapons/cash seized. Approximately 50 illegal aliens were taken into custody by @ERODenver – many are connected with the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang from Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/hXck5bBU2G
— DEARockyMountain (@DEAROCKYMTNDiv) January 26, 2025
Authorities described the operation as targeting an exclusive “invite-only” venue utilized by gang members for their criminal activities disguised within nightlife operations.
It was noted that a large transport bus was needed to transport the nearly 50 illegal aliens apprehended during the raid.
A pre-dawn raid of a makeshift nightclub in Adams County. #DEA, @ERODenver, @HSIDenver, @ATFHQ along with local partners seize drugs, cash, weapons.
This was invite-only – dozens connected to the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang were present.
This bus took away nearly 50 illegal aliens. pic.twitter.com/hQDtonGW9Z— DEARockyMountain (@DEAROCKYMTNDiv) January 26, 2025
The Tren de Aragua gang, originally established within Venezuela’s prison system, has expanded its criminal operations across the Americas, engaging in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and violent crimes, with the open border policies contributing to their activities.