Families Sue Over Aggressive Immigration Raid at Idaho Horse Track

U.S. citizens and legal residents allege civil rights violations during operation targeting illegal gambling.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Three Idaho families who are U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are suing after they and hundreds of others were detained for hours during an aggressive immigration raid at a rural horse racing track last year. The families say state and federal law enforcement agencies used unconstitutional and illegal tactics, including detaining people based on their appearance, keeping adults and children in zip ties for hours without access to basic needs, and searching individuals without reasonable suspicion.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about racial profiling and the use of excessive force by law enforcement during immigration enforcement actions, which have previously entangled U.S. citizens and legal residents in other states. The lawsuit seeks to challenge the legality of such tactics and obtain compensation for the affected families.

The details

During the October raid at the privately owned La Catedral horse racing track, about 200 law enforcement officers from multiple agencies, including ICE, the FBI, and state/local police, flooded the property. They used militarized gear, pointed guns, broke car windows, threw people to the ground, and fired rubber bullets, according to the lawsuit. Some officers used racial slurs and one man was hit in the head with a rifle butt after stating he was a citizen. Many adults and children were restrained with tight zip ties for hours, denied access to food, water, and bathrooms, and separated from family members.

  • The raid occurred on October 19, 2025.
  • The lawsuit was filed in February 2026.

The players

Juana Rodriguez

One of the lead plaintiffs in the lawsuit, whose hands were zip-tied for almost four hours during the raid, leaving her unable to care for her 3-year-old son.

ACLU of Idaho

The civil rights organization representing the families in the lawsuit, which alleges the law enforcement agencies violated the detainees' constitutional rights.

Tricia McLaughlin

A Homeland Security Department spokeswoman who initially claimed the raid dismantled an "illegal horse-racing, animal fighting, and gambling enterprise," though court documents do not mention animal fighting and the track had a valid license.

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What they’re saying

“Families with young children and elderly grandparents go for a nice outdoor activity, looking forward to the moments between races when kids are allowed to run down the track. But on Oct. 19, a swarm of 200 law enforcement officers flooded the property.”

— ACLU of Idaho (Federal lawsuit)

“Wearing militarized gear and face coverings, they pointed guns and screamed orders at frightened families. They broke the windows of cars parked on the property, sending glass pouring on those inside, including children who had taken refuge in cars because of rain. They threw compliant people to the ground and shot rubber bullets over the heads of teenagers.”

— ACLU of Idaho (Federal lawsuit)

What’s next

The judge will decide whether to grant class-action status to the lawsuit, which seeks to represent all legal residents detained during the raid. The court will also determine if the law enforcement agencies violated the detainees' constitutional rights and the appropriate damages, if any.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for greater oversight and accountability around immigration enforcement tactics, especially when they appear to disproportionately target Latino communities and entangle U.S. citizens and legal residents. The lawsuit aims to curb the use of aggressive, militarized approaches that may violate civil liberties.