ICE arrests 84 undocumented migrants at Louisiana racetrack

On June 17th, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in conjunction with several federal and state law enforcement agencies, conducted a raid at Delta Downs Racetrack in Vinton, Louisiana. This operation targeted businesses believed to be employing unauthorized workers. Intelligence gathered by authorities indicated that individuals working at the racetrack's stables lacked proper documentation. The raid resulted in the arrest of 84 individuals found to be in the country illegally, many of whom were processed for immigration violations. Of those arrested, several had prior criminal records, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the operation. The enforcement effort came on the heels of a temporary pause on immigration-related arrests at various industries, including agriculture and hospitality, due to concerns of economic impact. Nevertheless, ICE pushed forward with the operation following specific intelligence regarding unlawful employment practices at the racetrack. Eric DeLaune, an ICE official, stated that investigations like this aim to disrupt networks that exploit labor and pose risks to public safety by employing individuals with criminal backgrounds. The simultaneous involvement of agencies such as the FBI and Border Patrol underscores the seriousness with which these operations are conducted. The Delta Downs Racetrack management maintained that they adhere to federal labor laws, asserting no internal staff were involved in the hiring practices that led to the arrests. They expressed willingness to cooperate with law enforcement during this investigation. Criticism of the raid came from immigrant rights activists, who contended that such actions foster divisions within the community and negatively impact the economy, which heavily relies on immigrant labor. Such sentiments reflect ongoing debates surrounding immigration policy and enforcement methods, especially in light of recent large-scale immigration raids nationwide. As ICE continues to conduct enforcement operations across the country, the agency aims to reinforce legal employment standards while addressing the challenges presented by unauthorized immigration. These operations are part of a broader strategy to enhance workplace compliance and maintain the integrity of the U.S. labor market. The consequences of such enforcement actions not only affect those directly arrested but also reverberate through communities and industries reliant on immigrant labor.