ICE arrests 84 people at Louisiana racetrack

NEW ORLEANS — The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 84 people unlawfully in the country during a raid at a southwestern Louisiana racetrack, the agency announced Tuesday.

ICE said that it raided the Delta Downs Racetrack, Hotel and Casino in Calcasieu Parish on Monday and that the FBI and U.S. Border Patrol were among the agencies carrying out the operation.

Authorities had “received intelligence” that businesses operating at the racetrack’s stables employed “unauthorized workers,” who were targeted in the raid, ICE said.

Of the dozens of workers detained during the raid, “at least two” had prior criminal records, according to the agency.

Those arrested included a 36-year-old Mexican national who ICE said was previously charged with driving under the influence, cocaine possession and illegal reentry.

The agency’s news release also highlighted a 40-year-old Mexican national who it said was arrested previously for aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon and sexual battery, among other charges.

“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, U.S. Customs and Border Protection director of field operations in New Orleans, in a written statement.

“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, a spokesperson for Boyd Gaming Corp., which owns the racetrack, in an emailed statement. “We will cooperate with law enforcement as requested.”

Brook writes for the Associated Press.