BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The first sign something was amiss was the sound of helicopter rotors overhead, coupled with screams. Moments later, Anabel Romero found herself restrained on the ground while officers retrieved her 14-year-old daughter from a nearby truck, zip-tying her as younger siblings watched in shock.
Romero and her daughter, both U.S. citizens, were among 400 individuals detained at La Catedral Arena, an event venue just west of Boise, during a federal operation targeting illegal gambling which resulted in over 100 arrests for immigration violations.
This large-scale operation, carried out on October 19, showcased a strikingly unprecedented level of coordination among law enforcement agencies to advance immigration enforcement goals, a focal point of former President Trump's administration. Reports of aggressive tactics, including the zip-tying of minors, have ignited public outcry and allegations of excessive force involving local and federal law enforcement.
Multiple families recounted distressing experiences where children were treated harshly during the raid. Reports indicated that children, some as young as eight had been restrained, while authorities broke windows to apprehend individuals. The aftermath left many children traumatized, with some expressing fear around law enforcement imagery.
In a statement to reporters, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem denied that children were zip-tied during the incident, although later comments revised her claim to specify 'young children.' These occurrences have prompted scrutiny of how immigration operations intersect with law enforcement practices, raising significant concerns about their implications for communities with high immigrant populations.
The operation focused on a pari-mutuel betting scheme at the race track. While four individuals faced gambling charges, over 100 were detained for immigration violations amidst accusations that the operation disproportionately affected families, especially children.
As law enforcement navigates tough questions about practices used in immigration enforcement, the incident in Idaho reflects wider tensions within national criminal justice and immigration systems. Numerous individuals interviewed indicated dissatisfaction with the operations, pointing out that appearing at a public event should not warrant such aggressive police response.
This traumatic event has left lingering questions about the intersection of immigration enforcement and community safety, illustrating an ongoing tension within American society regarding the treatment of immigrant families.
