A peaceful afternoon at a horse racetrack in Idaho dissolved into chaos as a massive force of law enforcement descended upon families enjoying a community event. Approximately 400 people had gathered at La Catedral, drawn by horse racing, food, and games for children, unaware of the impending disruption.
Suddenly, over 200 officers from federal, state, and local agencies arrived, transforming the festive atmosphere into a scene of intimidation. Armored trucks rolled onto the grounds, and officers, clad in militarized gear and face coverings, brandished weapons and shouted commands.
The complaint alleges a shocking disregard for safety and basic human dignity. Officers reportedly shattered car windows, showering occupants – including children seeking shelter from the rain – with glass. Compliant individuals were thrown to the ground, and rubber bullets were fired dangerously close to teenagers.
Adults and teenagers alike were quickly restrained with zip ties, creating a scene of fear and confusion. Immigration status became the immediate focus, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers aggressively questioning those detained.
Release, according to the lawsuit, was contingent upon proof of lawful presence in the United States. This meant that even American citizens and lawful permanent residents were subjected to scrutiny and held until they could verify their status.
Juana Rodriguez, an American citizen and one of the plaintiffs in the class action suit, described the event as a “nightmare.” She recounted the terror of her young child witnessing violence and hearing hateful language directed at their community.
Rodriguez’s voice trembled as she recalled her toddler’s desperate pleas for food and water, a heartbreaking experience compounded by her inability to comfort him while he cried in fear. The trauma, she stated, is something no child should ever endure.
“I am a proud U.S. citizen, and I didn't do anything wrong,” Rodriguez asserted. She joined the lawsuit hoping to prevent similar experiences for other families, believing that what happened was fundamentally unjust.
Authorities initially defended the operation, stating it targeted an illegal gambling operation. However, an FBI press release vehemently denied reports of children being zip-tied or struck with rubber bullets during the October 19th operation.
The FBI maintained that the search warrant was executed by approximately 200 personnel from various agencies, focusing solely on dismantling the alleged illegal gambling enterprise. The conflicting accounts have fueled further scrutiny and demands for transparency.
The lawsuit seeks accountability for the alleged violations of constitutional rights and the emotional and psychological harm inflicted upon those detained. It represents a challenge to the tactics employed during the law enforcement action and a demand for justice for the affected families.
