Idaho Families Sue Over Aggressive Immigration Raid at Horse Racing Track

Lawsuit alleges civil rights violations, excessive force, and unlawful detentions during FBI-led operation

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Three Idaho families who are U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are suing state and federal law enforcement agencies over an aggressive immigration raid at a rural horse racing track last year. The lawsuit alleges the agencies used unconstitutional and illegal tactics, including detaining people based on their Latino 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

This case highlights concerns over aggressive immigration enforcement tactics that have previously ensnared U.S. citizens and legal residents in other states. The lawsuit seeks to hold authorities accountable for alleged civil rights violations and demand an end to such heavy-handed tactics that target immigrant communities.

The details

During the October 2025 raid at the privately owned La Catedral racetrack, about 400 people were detained as part of an FBI investigation into alleged illegal gambling. However, only 5 people were arrested for gambling-related offenses, while over 100 others were detained on suspicion of immigration violations. The lawsuit alleges law enforcement used excessive force, racial profiling, and unlawful detentions, including restraining people in tight zip ties, denying bathroom access, and separating children from family members.

  • The raid occurred on October 19, 2025 at the La Catedral racetrack in rural Idaho.
  • 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.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

One of the law enforcement agencies that participated in the raid.

FBI

The lead agency conducting the investigation into alleged illegal gambling at the racetrack.

Idaho State Police

One of the law enforcement agencies that participated in the raid.

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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 (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.”

— ACLU of Idaho (Lawsuit)

What’s next

The lawsuit seeks to be certified as a class action on behalf of other legal residents who were detained during the raid. A federal judge will decide whether to grant that request.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns over aggressive immigration enforcement tactics that have previously ensnared U.S. citizens and legal residents, raising questions about civil rights protections and the appropriate use of force by authorities when conducting such operations.