ICE Homeland Security Investigations’ El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force arrested nine individuals who were in the United States illegally during a search of an underground nightclub in El Monte, California, on July 19. The agents also confiscated narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and a box containing thousands of reencoded gift cards believed to be linked to a financial scheme.
"The HSI El Camino Real Task Force is unwavering in its commitment to dismantling illegal operations, as exemplified by our recent execution of a search warrant on an underground nightclub operated by Asian organized crime," said the task force’s acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Al Rossi. "HSI will persist in its rigorous investigations of illegal activities and steadfastly enforce immigration laws whenever violations are uncovered."
Federal agents questioned 66 people at the scene under the authority of the search warrant. Of those detained for being in the country illegally, seven were from China, one was from Malaysia, and one was from Mexico. All nine are now held by ICE pending removal proceedings.
The task force has been investigating Asian organized crime groups since March. Authorities suspect these organizations have been extorting underground nightclubs operating out of warehouses across Los Angeles. Officials believe such venues serve as hubs for international drug trafficking and money laundering activities, with drugs like cocaine, ketamine, and ecstasy being distributed through these networks.
The investigation was led by HSI’s El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force—a partnership that brings together federal and state investigators focused on financial crimes in Southern California—alongside agencies including the DEA, FBI, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
