In a significant law enforcement operation, federal agents descended upon a horse racing venue in Idaho on Monday, targeting an alleged illicit gambling ring in Canyon County.
The FBI apprehended four individuals at the site, while Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained 105 individuals residing in the country illegally.
According to The Post Millennial, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, "Over the weekend, ICE dismantled an illegal horse-racing, animal fighting, and a gambling enterprise operation out of a property known as La Cathedral Arena in Wilder, Idaho. As part of the operation ICE law enforcement officers arrested 105 illegal aliens.
Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, we are dismantling criminal networks in the United States. This operation underscores the administration's commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding American communities from criminal enterprises.
The individuals charged by the FBI include Ivan Tellez, 37, of Idaho; Samuel Bejarano, 37, of Oregon; Dayana Fajardo, 39, of Oregon; and Alejandro Estrada, 56, of Idaho. These individuals face federal charges, with Tellez identified as the purported owner and operator of the property.
Despite holding a conditional use permit for horse racing events at La Catedral Arena, the Idaho State Racing Commission confirmed that Tellez had not sought a license for parimutuel betting, raising questions about the legality of his operations.
The FBI's Salt Lake City Field Office reported that approximately 200 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers executed the October 19 warrant at La Cathedral Arena, following a tip-off in February regarding horse race gambling activities. An attorney from Ramirez-Smith Law informed KTVB7 that ICE detainees were relocated to facilities in Idaho and Utah.
Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI emphasized the broader implications of such illegal activities, stating, "Illegal gambling isn't a victimless crime. These operations can create an increase in violent crime, drug activity, and violence, putting communities at risk. I'm grateful for the collaboration and partnerships on the federal, state, and local level. Together, we're working to keep our communities safe."
The operation saw the collaboration of multiple agencies, including the Canyon County Sheriffs Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the Drug Enforcement Administration, Idaho State Police, Idaho Department of Corrections, Nampa Police Department, Caldwell Police Department, and FBI Seattle and Portland field offices.
This coordinated effort highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling complex criminal networks that threaten public safety.
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