BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A federal judge has ordered the release of 16 individuals detained by immigration officials during an FBI-led raid at a rural Idaho racetrack last month.
U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill ruled that keeping these migrants in detention without bond violated their due process rights, mandating their release while they await the resolution of their immigration cases. Many detainees have lived in the U.S. for decades and have no criminal history. The judge noted that some are married to U.S. citizens and have children who are also citizens.
The Department of Homeland Security responded, asserting that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents acted lawfully during the raid and labeled the ruling as the decision of an 'activist judge' freeing 'lawbreakers.'
“The Trump administration is committed to restoring the rule of law and common sense to our immigration system,” the DHS remarked.
The Oct. 19 raid was part of an investigation into suspected illegal gambling, involving over 200 officers from multiple agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol. While around 400 individuals were detained for hours, the operation focused primarily on gambling-related offenses, resulting in only a few arrests for illegal activities.
Witnesses reported aggressive tactics used during the raid, including disturbing treatment of families. There were reports of children separated from parents for extended periods, though government representatives initially denied such claims, which sparked further scrutiny.
Despite the scope of the operation, the result included 105 arrests linked to immigration violations, many of whom signed agreements to leave the country without legal consultation.
The court rulings indicate a broader legal precedent, affirming that non-citizens already residing within the U.S. are entitled to due process rights. Judge Winmill emphasized the distinction made by law and Constitution regarding the treatment of immigrants within the country versus those caught at the border.
Following the ruling, immigration attorney Nikki Ramirez-Smith expressed optimism about the future for the released individuals, stating they could now remain home with their families while their cases are processed, even as the backlog in immigration courts remains concerning.
