BOISE, ID – Governor Brad Little on Tuesday commented on the arrests made Sunday at an alleged illegal horse racing, animal fighting, and gambling operation in Wilder, where about 400 people were in attendance.
“It was the final event of the year at the illegal gambling business,” Little said in a written statement. “Illegal gambling operations involving animals often accompany drug trafficking, animal abuse, illegal weapons trafficking, and large sums of money that end up in the hands of cartel bosses. The State of Idaho provided support in the service of a warrant issued by a federal judge in connection with the illegal activities taking place in Wilder.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the months-long investigation in coordination with the Treasure Valley Metro Violence Crime and Gang Task Force. Agents served a warrant at the Canyon County facility on Sunday, resulting in five individuals being charged in federal complaints.
Officials said it is common practice for law enforcement to detain people present at the scene while processing evidence to ensure safety and preserve the integrity of the investigation.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced Tuesday that 105 people who attended the event are now in federal custody. The agency said none of those detained were children.
In a written statement, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said, “Over the weekend, ICE dismantled an illegal horse-racing, animal fighting, and gambling enterprise operation. As part of the operation, ICE law enforcement officers arrested 105 illegal aliens. Under President Trump and Secretary (Kristi) Noem, we are dismantling criminal networks in the United States.”
The FBI previously confirmed five arrests tied to the gambling operation known as La Catedral Arena.
FBI spokesperson Sandra Yi Barker said ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations division was on-site to handle immigration violations and was not involved in the gambling investigation itself.
“ICE’s presence was limited to that specific federal responsibility and was separate from the criminal gambling investigation being led by the FBI,” Barker said.
Advocacy groups have criticized the conduct of the raid. Witnesses alleged that law enforcement used “military-style” tactics, including detaining all attendees, zip-tying children, and using rubber bullets.
“The government came in full force, military-style, helicopters, drones and arrested and handcuffed everyone — including children,” ACLU of Idaho Executive Director Leo Morales said at a Monday news conference. “No person, no Idahoan, no American should ever accept whenever a government does this to its own people.”
The FBI canceled a scheduled press conference Monday, citing no further information beyond what was included in the federal criminal complaint.
