On October 19, an FBI-led raid at La Catedral arena, a privately owned race track near Boise, Idaho, targeted illegal gambling operations but resulted in the detention of about 400 people, mostly for immigration violations. The operation involved over 200 officers from at least 14 agencies, including ICE and Border Patrol, and was marked by aggressive tactics such as zip-tying children as young as 11, use of flash-bang devices, and rubber bullets. Several U.S. citizens and legal residents, including families with young children, were caught up in the raid, leading to trauma and distress among children who witnessed or experienced forceful treatment. The raid highlighted the Trump administration’s intensified focus on immigration enforcement within broader federal law enforcement efforts.

The raid sparked controversy and criticism from local residents and officials, who condemned the heavy-handed approach and questioned the involvement and claims of ICE. While only a handful were arrested on gambling charges, over 100 were detained for immigration violations, with many families separated and children restrained. Law enforcement agencies provided limited explanations, and some denied or downplayed the use of restraints on children. The incident underscored the tension between immigration enforcement and community impact, especially in areas with significant Hispanic populations, and raised concerns about the use of force and the treatment of U.S. citizens during immigration-related operations.