Federal immigration agents stormed a cartel-run nightclub in South Carolina early Sunday, arresting over 70 undocumented illegal migrants—including a Honduran fugitive wanted for murder—according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The Alamo, a concealed nightclub in Summerville, was raided around 3 a.m. by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Inside, agents discovered firearms, stacks of cash, seven suspected human trafficking victims, and a missing juvenile. Local authorities also reported finding teenagers as young as 13 consuming alcohol at the venue.
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The nightclub’s owner, Benjamin Reyna-Flores, is believed to be a member of the Los Zetas Cartel, now known as Cártel del Noreste (CDN)—which the Trump administration officially designated as a terrorist organization in February. Reyna-Flores is now facing both state and federal charges.
This operation was part of a broader, months-long investigation dubbed “Operation Last Stand.” Authorities said the club had become a hub for narcotics, weapons, and human trafficking. Roughly 200 officers from 14 agencies took part in the raid.
In total, 80 individuals were arrested, including Sergio Joel Galo-Baca, a Honduran national and illegal alien with an active INTERPOL Red Notice for homicide in Honduras. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Charlotte led the operation with support from local law enforcement.
DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin applauded the efforts of those involved:
“Day in and day out, the brave men and women of ICE are working with local law enforcement to keep American communities safe,” she said.
“Under President Trump and Secretary [Kristi] Noem, fugitives and law-breakers are on notice: Leave now or ICE will find you and deport you.”
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster also praised the raid, stating that members of the Tren de Aragua gang were among those arrested:
“This is what years of open borders got us, but now things have changed. We will continue to have more investigations like this one to rid South Carolina of these criminals,” McMaster posted on X.
Charleston County Sheriff Carl Ritchie said the case began last November after deputies responded to repeated noise complaints. Their investigation culminated in the serving of 116 arrest warrants—both criminal and immigration-related—of which 80 were executed.
Ritchie added that those arrested included both citizens and non-citizens, with two identified as “high-level” cartel members. He expects that number to increase.
Deputy Administrator Eric Watson described the scene as a “cartel afterparty.”
Chaos Inside the Club
Witnesses described the moment federal agents and deputies stormed the building.
David Herrera recalled the sudden shift from celebration to chaos:
“I saw dancing, I saw people smiling, having a good time and then boom. It all went to chaos,” he told WCSC.
“A bunch of agents from multiple agencies came in, pointing guns at people, barking orders, telling people to get the ‘bleep’ down, put your hands up. Basically, detained the whole building for, like, an hour and a half, maybe two hours.”
Some people reportedly pleaded with agents, saying they had children at home.
Authorities said several individuals face additional charges, including assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, possession of controlled substances, and illegal firearm possession.
The nightclub is located near Highway 78 in Summerville.
