ICE Arrests Dozens ⁤of Illegal Migrants at⁢ louisiana Racetrack

VINTON, La. – ‍A joint operation led by U.S. immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) resulted in⁤ the arrest of more than 80 illegal migrants at Delta Downs Racetrack in Louisiana on June 17. The worksite enforcement operation targeted businesses suspected of employing unauthorized workers.

The operation, which included the FBI, Border Patrol, Louisiana State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol,⁣ Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, occurred after a temporary pause ‍on immigration arrests at certain ⁤worksites was lifted.ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received intelligence indicating unauthorized employment within the racetrack’s stables.

Eric DeLaune, special agent ⁢in charge at ICE HSI New Orleans, stated that the agency is collaborating with federal and state partners⁢ to investigate unauthorized employment at the racetrack. The aim is ⁢to identify any additional criminal activities,including labor exploitation and immigration violations.

While most arrests were for immigration violations, some individuals had criminal records. Enrique Gonzalez Moreno, 36, was among those⁢ arrested. Moreno had⁤ illegally ⁣entered the U.S. from Mexico four times and had ⁢convictions for driving under the influence and cocaine ⁢possession, according to ICE.

DeLaune added that worksite enforcement ⁣operations often uncover othre criminal conduct, such as document and benefit fraud, money laundering, and human trafficking. These operations aim to enhance public safety by eliminating criminal activity and ‍removing perilous criminal aliens, transnational gang members, and other⁣ egregious immigration offenders.

ICE’s worksite enforcement investigations⁣ focus on businesses that hire unauthorized workers, seeking to reduce illegal employment and hold employers accountable.The arrests⁤ follow recent anti-ICE protests ⁣in major U.S. cities.