ICE and federal partners arrest more than 80 illegal migrants, including repeat offenders, during a raid at Delta Downs Racetrack.

Federal Agencies Target Unauthorized Workers in Louisiana

A major enforcement operation at Delta Downs Racetrack in Vinton, Louisiana has resulted in the arrest of over 80 migrants found working without legal authorization. The June 17th raid was the outcome of a joint effort between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Border Patrol, the FBI, Louisiana State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The operation followed the recent lifting of a pause on worksite immigration enforcement across farms, hotels, and restaurants.

Intelligence obtained by ICE indicated that several businesses at the racetrack’s stables were employing unauthorized workers. Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune of ICE Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans emphasized that authorities are carefully reviewing each case to uncover any additional criminal activities beyond labor violations and unauthorized employment. "ICE Homeland Security Investigations is working closely with our federal and state partners to review each case of unauthorized employment at the racetrack to identify any other criminal activities that were taking place in addition to labor exploitation and immigration violations," DeLaune stated.

Among those apprehended was Enrique Gonzalez Moreno, a 36-year-old Mexican national who had illegally entered the United States four times and had prior convictions for driving under the influence, cocaine possession, and illegal reentry. ICE officials noted that several of the individuals arrested have criminal histories, adding a public safety dimension to the operation.

Worksite Enforcement Aims to Improve Community Safety

DeLaune highlighted that such raids often reveal additional crimes, including document and benefit fraud, money laundering, and human trafficking. "As a result, we’re able to bolster public safety in the local community by eliminating that criminal activity and removing any dangerous criminal aliens, transnational gang members or other egregious immigration offenders who illegally entered the country and are working at the business without authorization," he explained.

ICE’s worksite enforcement strategy is focused not just on removing unauthorized workers but also on identifying and prosecuting businesses that knowingly hire them. The agency aims to deter illegal employment and reinforce accountability among employers.

The operation comes amid ongoing protests against ICE in major U.S. cities, some of which have turned violent. While most arrests in this enforcement action related to immigration violations, the involvement of repeat offenders and those with criminal records underscores the broader law enforcement goals of the operation.

Delta Downs Racetrack, Hotel & Casino did not provide immediate comment regarding the arrests. Authorities continue to investigate the extent of unauthorized employment and any associated criminal activities uncovered during the raid.