On Sunday, April 27, 2025, at approximately 3:30 am, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office deputies assisted the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and over ten additional federal law enforcement partners with an operation in the 200 block of South Academy Avenue, to address a multitude of crimes to include drug and human trafficking, prostitution, and more.

“Months ago, I made clear my intent to allow my deputies to work with our federal partners to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens in the Pikes Peak region,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal.

“This operation is a perfect example of why local law enforcement needs to collaborate with our federal partners.

“Since becoming Sheriff two years ago, I have seen a rapid decline in the state of public safety, due to weak laws and a legislative majority focused on reducing penalties for criminals, rather than preventing and deterring crimes.

“I am grateful to the Rock Mountain DEA, our federal partners, the Colorado Springs Police Department, and my hard-working deputies, who were on scene, assisting with this operation, ensuring everyone involved remained safe.

“My Office will continue our commitment to our community, and work to ensure families and businesses can prosper and live safely in the Pikes Peak region.”

According to the DEA, during the operation, over 100 illegal aliens, many of them likely to be members of drug cartels and gangs, were taken into custody by our partners at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Several active-duty service members from local military installations were also detained by the Rocky Mountain DEA during the operation.

“DEA Rocky Mountain thanks Sheriff Roybal and the men and women of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office for assisting with the major federal enforcement operation over the weekend,” said DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen. “We’re confident Colorado Springs and El Paso County are safer due to everyone’s efforts.”