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Colorado Springs resident: “Everyone knew about the illegal ‘after party’ every weekend”

Raid Shuts Down Clandestine “After Party” in Colorado Springs Allanamiento frustra “after party” clandestino en Colorado Springs

DEA ACTED WITH FEDERAL COURT ORDER

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado Staff

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What was initially presented as the dismantling of a “clandestine club” in Colorado Springs has now been confirmed as the shutdown of a well-known illegal “after party.” Testimonies collected by El Comercio de Colorado reveal that the establishment located at 296 S. Academy Blvd. operated on weekends as a gathering point to continue partying after the permitted hours, functioning without regulation and clandestinely. “Everyone [residents and authorities] knew about the illegal ‘after party’ every weekend,” confirms a neighbor of the venue.

Local residents explained that on Fridays and Saturdays, after 2 a.m. —the mandatory closing time for all public events in Colorado Springs, including concerts, weddings, and private birthday parties— many attendees would move to this location to keep celebrating. These types of “after parties” would begin precisely when regular events ended, giving the venue an unauthorized and unsupervised character.

In Colorado Springs, municipal law clearly states that businesses must cease public activity by 2 a.m., and operating beyond that time constitutes administrative and criminal violations. The mass presence of people at prohibited hours, noise complaints, and reports of violence outside the venue, along with possible drug use, prompted an official investigation.

Raid Shuts Down Clandestine “After Party” in Colorado Springs

Allanamiento frustra “after party” clandestino en Colorado Springs

Active Investigation and Judicial Order

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) confirmed that the April 27 raid was authorized under a “Search and Seizure Warrant” signed on April 24 by Timothy P. O’Hara, Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. Although only the cover sheet of the warrant has been made public, its existence confirms that the operation was backed by an active criminal investigation and was not simply targeting undocumented immigrants.

The warrant allowed federal and local agents to search for drugs, weapons, and any evidence of major federal crimes. The operation was reportedly executed after weeks of surveillance, which documented the venue operating as an unregulated “after party” attracting crowds beyond legal capacity and facilitating illegal activities such as drug consumption.

Raid Shuts Down Clandestine “After Party” in Colorado Springs

Over 100 Detainees, Including Military Personnel

The raid resulted in the detention of more than 100 people, including 114 undocumented immigrants. Additionally, at least a dozen active-duty military members were arrested; authorities are investigating whether they were working as private security for the clandestine events. Officials also reported that the venue was frequented by members of criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and the Hell’s Angels.

However, judicial sources warn that not all detainees will face federal charges. Many could be handed over to immigration authorities if no major crimes are charged. Judge O’Hara has ordered the DEA to submit a detailed inventory of seized evidence and a report on the execution of the warrant by May 8, 2025.

Official and Community Reactions

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi praised the operation, highlighting the capture of individuals linked to criminal organizations and the seizure of drugs like cocaine, methamphetamines, and “tusi.” Meanwhile, Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade stated that “crime will not be tolerated” and thanked the agencies that coordinated efforts to enforce the law.

“The discovery that the event center was operating as a clandestine after party highlights the challenges Colorado Springs faces in regulating illegal nighttime activities, especially when they are hidden behind the façade of private events,” said the leader of a community organization that provides educational services.