Local law enforcement in Wilder, Idaho, clarified that a recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) statement claiming ICE led a major operation dismantling an illegal horse-racing, animal fighting, and gambling enterprise was misleading. Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue and Caldwell Police Chief Rex Ingram emphasized that the FBI Metro Violent Crime and Gang Task Force led the investigation, with local agencies assisting and ICE present only to identify and process individuals illegally in the U.S. They condemned the DHS statement as a serious misrepresentation of the facts.

The sheriff and police chief reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the rule of law and requested that any further information or inquiries about the investigation be directed to the FBI, which remains the lead agency. This clarification aims to correct public confusion and protect the integrity of the ongoing federal investigation.