Federal agents arrested nearly 50 illegal immigrants early Sunday during a high-profile operation in Adams County, Colorado, targeting the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA). The raid, which focused on drug trafficking and criminal networks, is part of President Donald Trump’s intensified crackdown on illegal immigration and organized crime.
Federal Agencies Conduct Early Morning Raid on Tren de Aragua Network
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Rocky Mountain Field Division, in coordination with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), led the pre-dawn operation in Adams County. Authorities targeted a secretive “invite-only” nightclub that federal investigators linked to Tren de Aragua’s growing criminal activities in the region.
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), the DEA revealed shocking images from the raid, showing illegal immigrants lined up in handcuffs in the snow.
“Drugs, weapons, and cash were seized in Adams County,” one DEA post confirmed. “Nearly 50 illegal aliens were taken into custody.”
Another post included video footage of a bus transporting the detainees, many of whom are believed to have direct ties to the Tren de Aragua gang. However, authorities have yet to specify the exact breakdown of those arrested.
Trump’s Border Crackdown Intensifies with Mass Deportation Efforts
This operation comes as President Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, executes a nationwide mass deportation strategy, prioritizing the apprehension of criminal illegal immigrants. Since Trump’s return to office, ICE has launched aggressive raids across multiple states, including:
- Colorado
- New York City
- Buffalo, New York
- Boston
- California
- Minnesota
So far, hundreds of illegal immigrants have been detained in these operations.
Deportation Flights Begin Amidst International Tensions
As part of Trump’s immigration enforcement plan, the White House confirmed that deportation flights have officially begun. However, international tensions are rising over deportation policies.
On Sunday, Trump warned of retaliatory measures against Colombia after the South American nation refused to accept two deportation flights carrying Colombian nationals. The administration has vowed to take action against any foreign governments that obstruct U.S. deportation efforts.
Tren de Aragua’s Growing Threat in the U.S.
The Tren de Aragua gang, which originated in Venezuela, has quickly expanded its operations into the United States, bringing with it a wave of drug trafficking, violent crime, and human smuggling. Authorities have warned that TdA’s presence is increasing, particularly in cities with large populations of Venezuelan migrants.
Sunday’s operation in Adams County is just the latest effort by federal law enforcement to dismantle the gang’s foothold in the U.S. Trump’s administration has made it clear that the crackdown on criminal illegal aliens and transnational gangs will be a top priority.
What Comes Next?
With Trump’s immigration policies in full effect, more high-impact ICE raids are expected across the country. The administration has signaled that the focus will remain on gang-affiliated individuals, drug traffickers, and violent offenders.
As deportation flights ramp up, tensions between the U.S. and certain Latin American countries may escalate. However, the Trump administration has vowed to use diplomatic and economic pressure to ensure cooperation from foreign governments in accepting deported nationals.