Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrest of 84 migrants in an operation conducted at Delta Downs Racetrack, located in Vinton, Louisiana, near the Texas border.
The operation – described as one of the largest worksite raids in recent Louisiana history – was conducted on Tuesday, June 17 with the support of the Border Patrol, state police, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), ICE confirmed in a statement.
On whom was the raid focused?
The target of the operation was businesses and employees linked to the equestrian industry, specifically:
Companies owning thoroughbred and quarter horses that participate in competitions.
Employees who care for, train and handle the horses at the racetrack facilities.
According to a statement from the immigration agency, the purpose was to investigate possible cases of employment of unauthorized immigrants, as well as to identify associated criminal activities.
Mexicans with criminal records among those arrested
Buzzy
Although authorities are still processing the full identities of the 84 arrested, ICE confirmed that among them are two Mexican migrants with serious criminal records:
Enrique Gonzalez Moreno, 36, with four illegal entries to the U.S. and convictions for:
Driving under the influence of substances.
Possession of cocaine.
Illegal reinstatement.
A second Mexican, 40 years old, unidentified, with a history of:
Criminal conspiracy.
Aggravated assault with a weapon.
Sexual assault.
Video voyeurism.
Processing and next steps
The rest of the migrants were prosecuted for administrative immigration violations.
ICE reported that the detainees were transported to the Border Patrol station in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
An investigation is underway to determine whether undocumented workers were systematically hired at the racetrack.
The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is also assessing possible additional crimes.
Sometimes when we conduct these operations at work sites, we uncover other forms of crime, such as document fraud, money laundering, and human trafficking
A context of a broader migratory offensive
This operation occurs within the framework of President Donald Trump’s direct order to maintain and reinforce labor raids.
This even in key sectors such as construction, hospitality and agriculture, despite fears of economic impact on these industries.
In addition, Louisiana is one of the states – along with Texas and Florida – where the federal government has deployed 700 military personnel to support immigration operations, as confirmed by the Pentagon this week.
For the Latino community in the U.S., these types of actions reinforce the need to be informed about their rights in the event of labor raids and to have legal counsel in the event of possible workplace detentions.
