SC Club Raid: 80 Arrested by ICE & Police
Federal agents arrested 70 migrants in a dramatic south Carolina nightclub raid, uncovering a suspected link to a Mexican drug cartel. “Operation Last Stand,” which took place at the Alamo, resulted in the seizure of drugs, guns, and cash. This massive operation, involving over 200 agents, targeted an underground nightclub in Summerville, and also led to the detention of ten juveniles. Authorities are investigating whether some of the juveniles are victims of human trafficking. The raid highlights a complex investigation that began with noise complaints, quickly escalating due to trafficking, weapons, and drug-related activities. News Directory 3 is closely monitoring developments. Discover what’s next as authorities work to determine the extent of the criminal activities.
South Carolina Nightclub Raid nets Migrants, Drugs, and guns
Seventy migrants were arrested during a weekend raid at a South Carolina nightclub allegedly operated by a suspected member of a Mexican cartel, federal agents saeid.
Dubbed “Operation Last Stand,” the 3 a.m. Sunday operation targeted the Alamo, an underground, illegal nightclub in Summerville, about 25 miles from charleston. Around 200 federal, state, and local agents participated.
Authorities recovered drugs, guns, and cash at the Alamo. Initially, six juveniles were detained, but that number was later amended to 10 at a Monday news conference. Some are believed to be victims of human trafficking; the youngest is 13,and one had been reported missing. State social services are providing care.
The investigation into the Alamo began in November after noise complaints, according to officials. The raid was prompted by a tip that the nightclub was being used for trafficking and to stash weapons and drugs.
Charleston County authorities have permanently closed the club, allegedly run by Benjamin Reyna-Flores, 59, who faces alcohol-related charges and is being held on an ICE hold. The Los Zetas cartel, now known as Cártel del Noreste, was designated a terrorist organization by the Trump administration in February.
cardell Morant, a special agent with Homeland Security investigations, said the raid occurred during a “cartel afterparty” with over 200 people present. Agents served 116 previously filed arrest warrants on the 80 individuals arrested. Five had criminal warrants, including Sergio Joel Galo-Baca, a Honduran fugitive wanted by Interpol for homicide.
“This operation was not just about immigration enforcement,it was about restoring order,” Morant said.
Sheriff Carl Ritchie said two of those arrested were “high-level cartel members” linked to Los Zetas and the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua cartel.
Former Sheriff Kristin Graziano said the investigation predated Ritchie’s tenure, with noise complaints dating back to at least 2022. The Alamo’s previous location in Hanahan was shut down in 2016 after numerous reports of public urination, drugs, DUI arrests, and assaults.
What’s next
Authorities plan to continue investigating the extent of the cartel’s involvement in the nightclub and any related criminal activities in the area.