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Emigration and immigration

ICE Raids Louisiana Racetrack, Arrests Dozens of Unauthorized Workers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raided the Delta Downs Racetrack, Hotel and Casino in southwest Louisiana, arresting dozens of people who were in the country unlawfully. The raid, carried out on Monday, involved multiple state and federal agencies, including the FBI and the U.S. Border Patrol. According to ICE, the raid was aimed at disrupting "illegal employment networks" and targeted workers who were allegedly employed by businesses operating at the racetrack's stables.

Key Takeaways:

  • ICE arrested more than 80 people during the raid at the Delta Downs Racetrack in southwest Louisiana.
  • At least two of the detained workers had prior criminal records, according to ICE.
  • The raid was carried out in conjunction with other state and federal agencies, including the FBI and the U.S. Border Patrol.
  • The National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, which represents 29,000 thoroughbred racehorse owners and trainers, criticized the raid, saying it would leave the horse racing operation stranded and without workers.
  • The owner of the racetrack, Boyd Gaming Corporation, said that it complies fully with federal labor laws and that no employees were involved.
  • In the past few weeks, ICE has engaged in other large-scale raids across Louisiana, including one at a federally funded flood-reduction project and another at massage parlors in Baton Rouge.
  • The Louisiana-based immigrant rights group Unión Migrante criticized the raids as harmful and hypocritical, saying that the economy runs on immigrants and that racial division harms everyone.

Statistics:

  • Over 80 people were arrested during the raid at the Delta Downs Racetrack.
  • At least 2 of the detained workers had prior criminal records.
  • ICE has carried out other large-scale raids across Louisiana in the past few weeks, including one at a federally funded flood-reduction project, where 15 Central American workers were arrested.

Sources:

  • Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative
  • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
  • National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association
  • Boyd Gaming Corporation
  • Unión Migrante

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