Federal agents, including the FBI and ICE, conducted a large-scale raid on October 19 at La Catedral arena, a horse racing facility in Wilder, Idaho, as part of an investigation into an illegal gambling operation. The raid occurred during a public horse racing event attended by families, resulting in the arrest of four individuals, including property owner Ivan Tellez, and the detention of approximately 50 others. The operation involved parimutuel betting without proper licensing, with evidence showing that bets were placed and collected via electronic payment platforms and in-person couriers. The investigation revealed that Tellez, along with associates Samuel Bejarano, Dayana Fajardo, and Alejandro Estrada, managed and profited from the illegal gambling activities.

Court documents and undercover operations detailed how Bejarano administered the betting, posting wagering brackets on social media and handling thousands of dollars in bets. The FBI affidavit described the use of couriers to collect cash bets during races and linked significant cash deposits to the illegal gambling business. Tellez faces federal charges that could lead to prison time and fines, while the investigation highlighted the broader risks illegal gambling poses to community safety. The ACLU and immigration attorneys are seeking witnesses with video footage from the raid to support affected families.