On August 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Friday that federal law enforcement agencies had raided an underground Chinese “nightclub” in Los Angeles last month, disrupting a criminal organization’s drug and financial fraud conspiracy. Currently, 8 illegal immigrants have entered deportation proceedings, with the majority being Chinese citizens.
On July 19, various agencies including the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted a joint law enforcement raid in the El Monte neighborhood in Los Angeles County, known for its Chinese community, targeting an underground nightclub.
Federal agents interrogated 66 individuals and identified 8 as illegal immigrants, including 6 Chinese citizens, 1 Malaysian, and 1 Mexican. These individuals are currently in ICE custody awaiting deportation.
Among the arrested illegal immigrants were Qingmei Wang from China, charged with possession and intent to distribute illegal drugs; Zedong Zhang from China involved in selling or manufacturing controlled substances; Bo Liu from China suspected of drug possession; and Shao Meng from China accused of financial fraud.
Isaias Ramirez-Rosas from Mexico was also arrested on charges of possessing controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, intentional destruction of property, and illegal invasion.
The Chinese underground nightclub in Los Angeles was located within a commercial office building, with black reflective glass giving the impression of being unused from the exterior. However, inside, it was a modern, luxurious venue with lighting and sound systems, and private enclosed booths. Law enforcement seized a large quantity of drugs, drug paraphernalia, and thousands of re-encoded gift cards, suspected to be linked to illegal financial fraud.
Following the incident, a banner reading “American Fujian Youth Association” was seen hanging inside the commercial office unit where the underground nightclub was located.
In recent months, this seemingly quiet commercial area has experienced a series of incidents. Shortly before the federal agencies raided the underground nightclub, a major surrogacy, child abuse, and alleged human trafficking case emerged in Arcadia, Southern California, with Pro-China military leader being a key suspect. Interestingly, the two surrogacy companies involved in the case were affiliated with the same commercial district as the El Monte underground nightclub’s office building.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin of the Department of Homeland Security stated, “Some politicians in California have implemented sanctuary policies, allowing criminals to take advantage and discreetly operate underground nightclubs filled with drugs and illegal money transactions.”
McLaughlin emphasized that under the leadership of President Trump, law enforcement will intensify efforts to arrest criminals and ensure the security of the United States.