Wilder, Idaho Rocked by Massive ICE Raid

Over 100 Hispanic residents arrested at local racetrack, devastating small pro-Trump town

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Federal agents descended on the tiny town of Wilder, Idaho in mid-October, arresting over 100 Hispanic residents at a local racetrack. The raid has left the community, where 91% of voters supported Trump in 2024, in a state of shock and uncertainty as the local farming economy faces labor shortages ahead of the harvest season.

Why it matters

The aggressive immigration enforcement operation in the remote, pro-Trump town of Wilder has shaken the community to its core, raising questions about the impacts of federal crackdowns on undocumented immigrants in rural areas that had previously felt insulated from such actions.

The details

The October raid on La Catedral Arena, a horse racetrack west of Wilder, resulted in at least 75 deportations so far. Residents reported federal agents pointing automatic rifles, using flash-bang grenades, and zip-tying even teenagers during the operation. Beyond the economic impacts, the raid has created profound uncertainty and suspicion throughout the community.

  • The raid occurred in mid-October 2026.
  • As of early February 2026, at least 75 people have been deported as a result of the raid.

The players

Chris Gross

A second-generation farmer in Wilder who expressed concern about the community's viability due to the loss of Hispanic labor.

David Lincoln

A longtime Wilder resident who characterized the ICE operation as having "nearly destroyed" the town.

John Carter

A Trump voter whose company provided security at the racetrack, and who witnessed federal agents pointing guns at individuals and teenagers being zip-tied during the raid.

Neal Dougherty

A local immigration attorney who suggested federal officials prioritized immigration enforcement over illegal gambling prosecution during the raid.

Alex Zamora

The school superintendent in Wilder who expressed broader confusion about the raid, saying "What in the world is going on in Wilder?"

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What they’re saying

“We rely on Hispanic labor. Nobody thought something like this could happen here.”

— Chris Gross, Farmer (New York Times)

“The one thing everyone got asked was, 'Where were you born?' Not, 'Did you see gambling?' Not, 'Did you participate in gambling?' Just, 'Where were you born?'”

— Neal Dougherty, Immigration Attorney (New York Times)

“There was just such confusion. What in the world is going on in Wilder?”

— Alex Zamora, School Superintendent (New York Times)

What’s next

Local officials and community leaders in Wilder are working to understand the full impact of the ICE raid and determine how to support affected families and businesses as the harvest season approaches.

The takeaway

The aggressive immigration enforcement operation in the remote, pro-Trump town of Wilder has shaken the community to its core, raising questions about the impacts of federal crackdowns on undocumented immigrants in rural areas that had previously felt insulated from such actions.