In a sweeping morning raid at a Louisiana racetrack, ICE agents detained over 80 undocumented workers and uncovered potential document fraud, money laundering, and human trafficking operations that have been thriving under the radar for years.
Key Takeaways
- ICE arrested more than 80 illegal migrants during a coordinated operation at Delta Downs Racetrack in Vinton, Louisiana, involving multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
- The operation targeted unauthorized workers and is investigating additional criminal activities including document fraud, money laundering, and human trafficking.
- Among those detained was repeat offender Enrique Gonzalez Moreno, who had multiple illegal entries and criminal convictions.
- The raid is part of President Trump’s broader initiative to enforce immigration laws and ensure American jobs go to legal residents.
- Horse racing industry representatives criticized the operation for removing essential workers without warning, while ICE officials defended the action as necessary for public safety.
Multi-Agency Operation Targets Illegal Employment Network
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, working alongside the Border Patrol, Louisiana State Police, FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, conducted a major worksite enforcement operation at Delta Downs Racetrack in Vinton, Louisiana. The early morning raid resulted in the detention of more than 80 illegal migrants working at the facility. This operation represents a significant escalation in worksite enforcement actions following the Trump administration’s lift of a pause on such operations that had been in place during the previous administration.
“ICE Homeland Security Investigations is working closely with our federal and state partners to review each case of unauthorized employment at the racetrack to identify any other criminal activities that were taking place in addition to labor exploitation and immigration violations,” said Eric DeLaune, ICE HSI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge.
Criminal Elements Removed From Community
The operation’s scope extended beyond simple immigration violations. Federal agents are investigating additional criminal activities including document fraud, money laundering, and human trafficking networks operating within the racetrack facility. Among those detained was Enrique Gonzalez Moreno, who has a lengthy record of illegal entries into the United States and multiple criminal convictions. This operation aligns with the administration’s focus on removing criminal elements that pose threats to public safety and American jobs.
“Oftentimes, when we’re conducting these worksite enforcement operations, we uncover other forms of criminal conduct, such as document and benefit fraud, money laundering and human trafficking. As a result, we’re able to bolster public safety in the local community by eliminating that criminal activity and removing any dangerous criminal aliens, transnational gang members or other egregious immigration offenders who illegally entered the country and are working at the business without authorization,” said Eric DeLaune.
Industry Backlash and Administration Response
The operation has sparked controversy within the horse racing industry, with industry representatives expressing outrage over the sudden removal of workers they claim are essential to their operations. Boyd Gaming Corporation, which owns Delta Downs Racetrack, stated they comply with federal labor laws and are cooperating with law enforcement. However, representatives from the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association criticized the raid for its disruptive impact on racetrack operations.
“To come in and take that many workers away and leave the horse racing operation stranded and without workers is unacceptable,” said Peter Ecabert.
Prioritizing American Workers
This operation represents a stark contrast to the previous administration’s approach to immigration enforcement. Under President Trump’s leadership, there has been a notable shift toward prioritizing job opportunities for American citizens and legal immigrants. Recent economic data shows that since Trump took office earlier this year, all net job growth has gone to native-born Americans, reversing a troubling trend where nearly all job growth during the previous administration benefited migrants who had been paroled or released at the border.
“These enforcement operations aim to disrupt illegal employment networks that threaten the integrity of our labor systems, put American jobs at risk and create pathways for exploitation within critical sectors of our economy,” said Steven Stavinoha.
Critics of the enforcement action have argued that the economy relies on immigrant labor, particularly in industries like horse racing. However, supporters of the administration’s policies point out that allowing industries to become dominated by illegal labor creates a disincentive for American workers to seek employment in these sectors and drives down wages for all workers. By enforcing immigration laws and targeting employers who exploit illegal labor, the administration aims to create more opportunities for legal residents while simultaneously combating criminal networks that profit from human trafficking and document fraud.
