U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), along with multiple federal and local agencies, conducted a raid at Delta Downs racetrack in Vinton, Louisiana, arresting approximately 84 undocumented workers employed in the stables during an ongoing Quarter Horse meet. The operation targeted businesses racing Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, confirming suspicions of unauthorized employment. ICE used road closures and drones during the enforcement action and noted that some arrested individuals had criminal records. The agency is continuing its investigation into potential criminal activities linked to the illegal employment, including labor exploitation, document fraud, and human trafficking.
The raid sparked significant concern within the horse racing community, with the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) urging tracks and members to deny ICE access to backstretch areas without official warrants, citing constitutional rights and horse welfare. The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) also expressed worries about the raid’s impact on the industry, especially amid shifting federal immigration policies under President Trump, who recently signaled support for legal protections for agricultural workers through visa programs. Industry leaders emphasized the importance of their workforce to local economies and are advocating for a balanced approach to immigration enforcement that safeguards both workers and the racing industry.
