(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Mayor Yemi Mobolade, the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) shared statements regarding the multiagency operation at a local underground nightclub near South Academy Boulevard and Airport Road on Sunday, April 27, in which over 100 people were arrested.

According to CSPD, the department assisted federal and local law enforcement partners in the operation.

“I want to be clear that it is the responsibility of the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) to investigate criminal activity and make arrests when appropriate. This operation was the result of a months-long investigation into serious criminal activity in our community,” said Adrian Vasquez, Chief of Police for CSPD.

EPSO reported that deputies also took part in assisting federal partners to remove dangerous drug dealers and criminals from the streets, stating, “Sheriff [Joseph] Roybal is committed to ensuring the safety of our citizens. This operation was a critical step towards our missions of public safety in the Pikes Peak region.”

CSPD Chief Vasquez said, “While the investigation is ongoing, arrests for these criminal violations are expected. CSPD is aware that our federal partners also detained multiple people for suspected immigration violations during the operation. CSPD is not authorized to conduct immigration enforcement under Colorado law, and our participation in this operation was solely to address criminal violations affecting the safety of our community.”

Mayor Yemi Mobolade released the following statement:

I was briefed ahead of today’s coordinated operation, and I want to thank the DEA’s Rocky Mountain Field Division, the Colorado Springs Police Department, and all of our local, state, and federal partners for their work to enforce the rule of law. Let me be clear: criminal activity of any kind, from anyone, will not be tolerated in Colorado Springs. This investigation and the execution of these warrants are the result of clear evidence of serious criminal conduct. Our residents deserve to live in a city where the rule of law is upheld and where illegal behavior is met with firm and decisive action. We will continue working together to ensure the safety and well-being of our entire community.

Mobolade