According to the Department of Homeland Security, federal immigration authorities stormed a cartel-operated nightclub in South Carolina early Sunday and arrested more than 70 illegal migrants, including a Honduran fugitive wanted for homicide.
When Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raided the Alamo, an underground nightclub in Summerville, about 3 a.m., they discovered firearms, large amounts of cash, seven probable trafficking victims, and a missing child. Teens as young as 13 were spotted drinking inside the club, according to local police.
The club’s owner, Benjamin Reyna-Flores, is accused of being a part of the Los Zetas Cartel — now known as Cártel del Noreste (CDN), which was legally labeled as a terrorist group by the Trump administration in February, according to Homeland Security. He is now facing both state and federal accusations.
The raid was part of a months-long investigation into the establishment, which officials described as a hub for narcotics, guns, and human trafficking. The inquiry was codenamed “Operation Last Stand,” and approximately 200 law enforcement professionals from 14 agencies were on the ground.
A total of 80 arrests were made. One of the most notable arrests was Sergio Joel Galo-Baca, a Honduran illegal alien and foreign fugitive with an active INTERPOL Red Notice for homicide in Honduras. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Charlotte led the operation in collaboration with local law enforcement.
Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, lauded the raid’s outcomes.
“Day in and day out, the brave men and women of ICE are working with local law enforcement to keep American communities safe,” according to McLaughlin. “Under President Trump and Secretary [Kristi] Noem, fugitives and law-breakers are on notice: Leave now or ICE will find you and deport you.”
