U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 84 individuals during a raid at the Delta Downs Racetrack, Hotel and Casino in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, on Monday. The operation, announced Tuesday, targeted undocumented workers allegedly employed at the racetrack’s stables.
The raid was carried out in coordination with the FBI and U.S. Border Patrol after authorities received intelligence suggesting businesses at the racetrack were employing unauthorized labor.
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According to ICE, at least two of those detained had prior criminal records. One was a 36-year-old Mexican national with past charges of DUI, cocaine possession, and illegal reentry.
Another was a 40-year-old Mexican national previously arrested for aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon and sexual battery.
“These enforcement operations aim to disrupt illegal employment networks that threaten the integrity of our labor systems, put American jobs at risk, and create pathways for exploitation within critical sectors of our economy,” said Steven Stavinoha, director of field operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection in New Orleans.
In response, Boyd Gaming Corp., the parent company of Delta Downs, stated:
“Our company complies fully with federal labor laws, and to our knowledge, no Delta Downs team members were involved in this matter,” said David Strow, spokesperson for Boyd Gaming. “We will cooperate with law enforcement as requested.”
