A large-scale operation led by the FBI at La Catedral Arena, a horse racing venue in Idaho, resulted in the detention of approximately 400 individuals on October 19, 2023. The raid, which involved over 200 law enforcement officers from various agencies, primarily targeted illegal gambling but quickly escalated into a significant immigration enforcement action, with more than 100 arrests related to immigration violations.
The chaotic scene unfolded as helicopters hovered overhead, and officers with firearms began removing individuals from their vehicles. Anabel Romero, a U.S. citizen, described the moment she was taken to the ground with her hands restrained, as officers zip-tied her 14-year-old daughter and detained her family while her younger children looked on.
Romero’s experience highlights the intense focus on immigration enforcement that has emerged as a key priority for federal law enforcement, particularly under the agenda established by former President Donald Trump. This operation demonstrated an unprecedented level of coordination among various federal and local agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol.
Community Impact and Responses
The raid raised significant concerns in Canyon County, where the population is predominantly Hispanic and Trump received 72% of the vote in the 2020 election. Reports from families affected by the operation revealed disturbing accounts, including children as young as 11 being zip-tied and one incident where an 8-year-old boy suffered injuries from shattered glass during the raid.
Romero expressed her concerns over the treatment of her family, stating, “They don’t even see law enforcement anymore with respect. They’re pretty shook up.” These sentiments were echoed by other residents who experienced the raid firsthand. Jehidi Perez, who witnessed her parents’ vehicle being targeted by officers, described a chaotic scene where rubber bullets were fired, adding to the trauma experienced by her family.
In a controversial statement, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem claimed that no children were zip-tied during the operation. However, FBI spokesperson Sandra Barker later clarified that the use of restraints had occurred, although the terminology used in the initial statement was amended.
Legal Context and Ongoing Investigations
The FBI’s investigation primarily centered on illegal gambling activities occurring at the race track, which lacked the proper state licensing for pari-mutuel betting. Special Agent Jacob Sheridan indicated that charges against some individuals involved this illegal operation, while ICE representatives stated they dismantled a broader network involving illegal horse racing and gambling operations. Nonetheless, allegations of excessive force during the raid have come under scrutiny.
Witness accounts suggest that many officers lacked identifying marks on their uniforms, and some wore masks, creating an atmosphere of confusion and fear. Local law enforcement officials, including Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue, criticized ICE for taking undue credit for the operation, emphasizing that the FBI led the effort.
The fallout from the raid continues to impact the community, with many families struggling to cope with the emotional and psychological effects. Juana Rodriguez, another affected individual, recounted the distress her young son experienced as law enforcement restrained her for hours. “They would just tell him, ‘You need to hold your mom’s shirt,’” she said, highlighting the fear and confusion faced by children during the incident.
As the situation unfolds, the community and various advocacy groups are calling for a review of law enforcement practices, particularly regarding the treatment of families and children during such operations. The implications of this raid extend beyond immediate legal consequences, raising broader questions about immigration enforcement and community trust in law enforcement agencies.
