In a startling turn of events, federal agents carried out a large-scale raid at a horse racing arena in Idaho on Sunday. The operation involved both the FBI and ICE, and it resulted in the detention of more than 50 people, leaving families and spectators shocked and searching for answers. The raid targeted an alleged illegal gambling operation, but the scope of the detentions has left many questions unanswered.
Federal Arrests and the Alleged Gambling Operation
Federal authorities focused the raid on an illegal gambling operation and formally arrested four individuals, charging them with federal offenses. The FBI confirmed that the arrests directly targeted those involved in the alleged gambling activities at the facility. The individuals arrested were: Ivan Tellez, 37, of Wilder, Idaho; Samuel Bejarano, 37, of Nyssa, Oregon; Dayana Fajardo, 39, of Nyssa, Oregon; and Alejandro Estrada, 56, of Buhl, Idaho.
Ivan Tellez is reported to be the alleged owner and operator of the arena, which is registered as a business under the name La Catedral Arena LLC. During the raid, law enforcement officials moved quickly, detaining both suspects and numerous other individuals present at the arena.
Masked officers secured the area and used zip ties to detain people. Federal authorities arrested four individuals for running an illegal gambling operation, while ICE took many others into custody for processing. Reports indicate that not all detainees participated in the gambling; some were simply spectators attending the scheduled horse races.
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Detentions, Family Concerns, and Processing
Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion and worry as officers escorted dozens of people out of the arena. Families were immediately concerned for the safety and whereabouts of their loved ones. Federal authorities detained Sujei Teo, her cousin, uncle, and younger siblings, and they also detained Miguel Batista’s mother, who later secured her release by showing proper documentation.
Multiple family members reported being unsure why their relatives were detained. Some detainees were children or older relatives who were at the event simply to watch the races. The lack of clear information on the total number of people detained, released, or still in custody caused significant stress for families.
Authorities have confirmed that detainees were taken to processing centers in Boise and Mountain Home. ICE may transfer some individuals to detention centers in other states, including locations far from Idaho. Families and advocates are working to track the detainees and provide legal support. Local organizations, including immigration attorneys and advocacy groups, have been assisting families by answering questions and helping them locate their relatives.
Eyewitness Reports and Community Reactions
Witnesses described the raid as sudden and intense. Some reported seeing more than 100 people being loaded into vans and taken to detention facilities. Many said the operation felt chaotic, with officers moving quickly to secure the scene. Families attending the horse races expressed disbelief when authorities detained their relatives alongside individuals suspected of illegal gambling.
Community members and advocacy groups have been urging families to share information and videos from the event to help document what happened. Legal experts have been advising families on the processing of detainees and providing guidance for those who may be undocumented. The raid has caused widespread concern in the local community. It has highlighted tension between federal law enforcement and the rights of individuals at the event.
While the FBI focused on the alleged gambling operation, ICE’s involvement has drawn particular attention due to the number of people detained and the uncertainty surrounding their legal status. Families continue to seek information on where detainees are being held and how they can be reached.