ICE Raids at Louisiana Racecourse: 84 Detained
ICE arrested 84 individuals in a Louisiana racetrack raid, targeting companies suspected of employing unauthorized workers. Teh operation at Delta Downs Racetrack, Hotel and Casino, saw multiple agencies, including the FBI, involved. Authorities acted on information regarding illegal hiring practices at the stables. The role of ICE in thes operations is to enforce immigration laws and maintain workforce integrity. The company owning the racecourse stated thier compliance with federal laws,cooperating with law enforcement. Learn how recent ICE actions are impacting the region, highlighting the arrests of individuals with prior criminal records. News Directory 3 continues to provide coverage on immigration enforcement. Discover what’s next for investigations into businesses employing unauthorized workers.
ICE Arrests 84 in Louisiana Racetrack Raid Targeting Unauthorized Workers
Updated June 18, 2025
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A recent raid at Delta Downs Racetrack, Hotel and Casino in southwest Louisiana resulted in the arrest of 84 individuals, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The operation, which took place Monday in Calcasieu Parish, involved multiple state and federal agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Border Patrol.
Authorities acted on information suggesting that companies operating at the racetrack’s stables where employing unauthorized workers. ICE reported that at least two of those arrested had existing criminal records. One notable arrest involved a 36-year-old Mexican citizen with prior charges for driving under the influence, cocaine possession, and illegal re-entry. Another was a 40-year-old Mexican citizen previously arrested for aggravated assault with a hazardous weapon and sexual assault.
Steven Stavinoha, director of field operations for Customs and Border Protection in New Orleans, emphasized the importance of these operations. He said they aim to disrupt illegal employment networks, protect American jobs, and prevent exploitation within critical economic sectors. The role of ICE is to enforce immigration laws and maintain the integrity of the workforce.
David Strow,spokesman for Boyd Gaming Corporation,which owns the racecourse,stated that the company complies with federal labor laws and was unaware of any team member involvement. He added that they would cooperate with law enforcement as needed. The company plays a role in the local economy and strives to maintain legal compliance.
“These compliance operations aim to interrupt illegal employment networks that threaten the integrity of our work systems, put American jobs and create ways for exploitation within critical sectors of our economy,” said Steven Stavinoha, director of field operations of the Customs Office and Border Protection in New Orleans, in a statement.
What’s next
ICE will continue to investigate businesses suspected of employing unauthorized workers, focusing on industries where such practices are prevalent. The agency’s role extends to ensuring fair labor practices and protecting employment opportunities for legal residents.