Families Sue Over Aggressive Immigration Raid at Idaho Horse Track

U.S. citizens and legal residents allege civil rights violations during operation targeting alleged 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 allege 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 of a crime.

Why it matters

Similar immigration enforcement actions have entangled U.S. citizens and legal residents in other states, raising concerns about civil rights violations and the use of excessive force by authorities. This case highlights ongoing tensions around immigration policy and enforcement, as well as the potential for such operations to unfairly target minority communities.

The details

The October raid at the privately owned La Catedral racetrack west of Boise was part of an FBI investigation into alleged illegal gambling, but only five people were arrested on those charges. More than 100 others were arrested on suspicion of immigration violations. The lawsuit alleges law enforcement used racial epithets, restrained people with tight zip ties, and denied detainees access to food, water and bathrooms. Though the families were eventually released after proving their citizenship or legal residency status, they are seeking damages and a court declaration that their rights were violated.

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

The players

ACLU of Idaho

The civil rights organization representing the three Idaho families in the lawsuit.

Juana Rodriguez

One of the lead plaintiffs in the lawsuit, who said her hands were zip-tied for almost four hours, preventing her from caring for her 3-year-old son.

Tricia McLaughlin

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

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What’s next

The judge will decide whether to grant class action status to the lawsuit, which would allow other legal residents detained in the raid to join the case. The court will also determine if the law enforcement agencies violated the plaintiffs' constitutional rights and the appropriate damages, if any.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the potential for such operations to unfairly target minority communities, even when they involve U.S. citizens and legal residents. It underscores the need for greater oversight and accountability in how authorities conduct immigration raids to protect civil liberties.