FBI and ICE Raid at Idaho Racetrack Leaves Over 50 Detained

• FBI and ICE raid in Idaho leaves 50 detained
• ICE reignites immigration debate
• ACLU provides legal aid

Federal agents stormed a racetrack in Canyon County on Sunday as part of an investigation into an alleged illegal gambling operation.

The operation took place at the property registered as La Catedral Arena LLC, where the FBI arrested four individuals accused of organizing illicit betting activities.

The detainees were identified as Iván Téllez, 37, from Wilder, Idaho; Samuel Bejarano, 37, from Nyssa, Oregon; Dayana Fajardo, 39, also from Nyssa; and Alejandro Estrada, 56, from Buhl, Idaho.

FBI and ICE Raid in Idaho Results in Four Arrests

Massive raid at a horse racing site in Wilder, Idaho. Dozens of illegal aliens were detained even though many tried to escape. DHS had the entire ranch surrounded capturing them in the fields, porta potties. Juan way or another they are going to get you. Self deport now! pic.twitter.com/S6tkABgnHW

— Kim «Katie» USA (@KimKatieUSA) October 20, 2025

All four face federal charges for their alleged roles in the gambling operation.

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According to judicial authorities, the operation was part of an ongoing investigation, but the presence of ICE agents and the large number of immigration-related arrests sparked debate over the use of joint federal operations between agencies.

A Federal Operation That Left Widespread Uncertainty

BREAKING: Major ICE raid conducted at an illegal alien gambling ring in Wilder, Idaho pic.twitter.com/gC7CdYyI1X

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) October 20, 2025

Witnesses reported that masked and armed agents surrounded the venue during a horse race, as attendees were handcuffed and separated for immigration document checks.

Local outlet KTVB reported that several of the detainees were transported in white vans to Boise and Mountain Home, according to El Tiempo.

While the FBI confirmed only four arrests tied to the gambling case, it is estimated that more than 50 individuals were detained by ICE during the Idaho raid.

Authorities have not yet specified how many of those detained were released or remain in custody.

The lack of information has caused anxiety in the local community, particularly in Wilder, where many residents have family members or friends who attended the event.

Community Response and Legal Assistance for Families

In response to the uncertainty, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) organized a meeting at Wilder High School, where immigration lawyers provided free legal support to affected families.

Attorney Nikki Ramírez, an expert in immigration law, stated that the detainees were processed at different facilities, and some may be transferred out of state to ICE detention centers in Seattle, Las Vegas, or New Mexico.

Neighbors and witnesses claimed that many of the detainees had no connection to the gambling investigation.

“They were just at the event,” said one witness.

The FBI and ICE Idaho raid has reignited discussions about interagency cooperation and the fine line between criminal investigations and covert immigration enforcement.