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Federal agents detained over 80 illegal workers in a coordinated sweep at Delta Downs Racetrack, uncovering criminal networks exploiting unauthorized labor while industry leaders complained about being left without essential staff.
Key Takeaways
- ICE and multiple law enforcement agencies arrested over 80 illegal migrants at Delta Downs Racetrack in Vinton, Louisiana during a major worksite enforcement operation.
- The raid is part of President Trump’s renewed focus on worksite immigration enforcement, following the lifting of previous restrictions on such operations.
- Authorities are investigating additional criminal activities beyond immigration violations, including document fraud, money laundering, and human trafficking.
- The operation aims to protect American jobs and wages by disrupting illegal employment networks that undercut legal workers.
- Horse racing industry representatives criticized the raid for removing workers without warning, claiming it left operations stranded.
Major Federal Raid Targets Illegal Workers at Louisiana Racetrack
In a significant enforcement action, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained more than 80 illegal migrants during a raid at Delta Downs Racetrack in Vinton, Louisiana. The operation, conducted by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in conjunction with Border Patrol, Louisiana State Police, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, targeted the racetrack’s backstretch area where stable workers are housed. Intelligence gathered before the raid indicated numerous unauthorized workers were employed at the facility, prompting the coordinated response from federal, state, and local authorities.
The raid represents a significant shift in immigration enforcement under President Trump’s administration, which has resumed worksite enforcement operations after previous restrictions were lifted. Among those arrested was Enrique Gonzalez Moreno, who had previously been deported multiple times and had criminal convictions. The operation disrupted racetrack activities as authorities secured entry points and methodically processed those found to be in violation of immigration laws. Boyd Gaming Corporation, which owns Delta Downs, stated they comply with federal labor laws and are cooperating with law enforcement.
Investigation Goes Beyond Immigration Violations
Federal authorities emphasized that the operation aims to uncover criminal networks operating within the illegal employment system. ICE is reviewing each case to identify additional criminal activities beyond the immigration violations themselves. Investigations are exploring potential document fraud, benefit fraud, money laundering, and even human trafficking connections that may have been facilitated through the unauthorized employment scheme at Delta Downs. The comprehensive approach targets not just the workers but the entire system enabling illegal employment.
“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.
Special Agent DeLaune further explained that these operations frequently uncover more serious criminal activities. The enforcement action not only addresses immigration violations but also removes dangerous criminal elements from communities. By dismantling illegal employment networks, authorities aim to protect American workers from unfair labor competition while simultaneously addressing the exploitation of unauthorized workers who often face poor working conditions, below-market wages, and various forms of abuse within these illicit employment structures.
Industry Pushback and Economic Impact
The raid has sparked criticism from horse racing industry representatives who claim the operation has left them without essential workers. The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association expressed frustration over the sudden removal of stable workers without any coordination with industry officials. They argue that the approach disrupted operations at the racetrack and left horses without proper care, creating an animal welfare concern alongside the immigration enforcement action.
“To come in and take that many workers away and leave the horse racing operation stranded and without workers is unacceptable,” said Peter Ecabert.
Critics of the enforcement action argue that immigrant labor is essential to the economy, while supporters point to President Trump’s immigration policies creating more job opportunities for American citizens. Since President Trump returned to office, data indicates that net job growth has shifted toward native-born Americans, reversing a trend seen during the previous administration. The enforcement operation aligns with broader efforts to ensure employment opportunities benefit legal residents and citizens while upholding immigration laws and workplace regulations.
Part of Broader Enforcement Strategy
The Delta Downs operation is not an isolated incident but part of a comprehensive strategy to enforce immigration laws at worksites across the country. ICE has conducted similar operations in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and other locations throughout Louisiana. These coordinated efforts reflect the administration’s commitment to addressing illegal employment that undermines legal workers and enables exploitation. By targeting employers and unauthorized workers simultaneously, authorities aim to create a deterrent effect while opening opportunities for legal employment.
“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.
Immigration enforcement advocates highlight that industries heavily reliant on unauthorized labor create self-perpetuating cycles that discourage American workers from applying. When entire sectors become known for employing primarily illegal workers, wages are suppressed and working conditions deteriorate, making these jobs less attractive to citizens and legal residents. The enforcement strategy aims to break this cycle by holding employers accountable for hiring practices while removing unauthorized workers, ultimately creating more opportunities and better conditions for the legal workforce.