U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with several law enforcement agencies, conducted a worksite enforcement operation at the Delta Downs Racetrack in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, resulting in the arrest of approximately 84 illegal aliens. The operation took place on June 17 and involved the U.S. Border Patrol, Louisiana State Police, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the FBI.
The focus was on businesses owning and racing thoroughbred and quarter horses at the racetrack stables and their employees. All individuals taken into custody were processed for administrative immigration violations and transported to the Lake Charles Border Patrol Station.
An ongoing investigation is assessing potential criminal conduct related to hiring illegal aliens and considering possible civil penalties. Authorities have identified at least two criminal aliens among those arrested. One individual is Enrique Gonzalez Moreno from Mexico, who has illegally entered the U.S. four times and has prior convictions for driving under the influence, cocaine possession, and illegal reentry. Another detainee is a 40-year-old Mexican national with arrests for criminal conspiracy, aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon, sexual battery, and video voyeurism.
Eric DeLaune, ICE HSI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge stated: “ICE Homeland Security Investigations is working closely with our federal and state partners to review each case of unauthorized employment at the racetrack to identify any other criminal activities that were taking place in addition labor exploitation and immigration violations.” He emphasized that such operations often uncover other forms of criminal conduct like document fraud or human trafficking.
The operation followed intelligence indicating unauthorized workers were employed at racetrack stables. Steven Stavinoha from U.S. Custom and Border Protection remarked: “These enforcement operations aim to disrupt illegal employment networks that threaten the integrity of our labor systems.”
Jonathan Tapp from FBI New Orleans Field Office expressed support for collaborative efforts: "We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our local, state, and federal partners in operations like this one with the common goal to remove criminal threats from every community across the State of Louisiana."
Employers are reminded by law under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 to verify identity and work eligibility using Form I-9; ICE HSI promotes compliance through inspections.
Local agencies including Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office also assisted during this operation.
For further updates on ICE HSI's efforts against illegal immigration in Louisiana follow @HSINewOrleans on X.
