Lake Charles, LA (June 18, 2025) – More than 80 undocumented individuals were arrested during a large-scale worksite enforcement operation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and federal partners at the Delta Downs Racetrack near Vinton, Louisiana on June 17.
According to ICE officials, the operation targeted the businesses that own and race horses from the stables at Delta Downs and the employees who work there. In total, 84 undocumented immigrants were taken into custody and transported to the Lake Charles Border Patrol Station for processing.
ICE confirmed the arrests stemmed from intelligence reports and follow-up site visits indicating that unauthorized labor was being used in the horse racing sector at the Calcasieu Parish facility. The arrests were carried out in partnership with U.S. Border Patrol, Louisiana State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the FBI.
Two of the individuals arrested were identified as criminal aliens. One was Enrique Gonzalez Moreno, a 36-year-old Mexican national with a history of illegal entry and prior convictions for DUI, cocaine possession, and illegal reentry. Another detainee, a 40-year-old Mexican national, has prior arrests for aggravated battery, criminal conspiracy, sexual battery, and video voyeurism. ICE is verifying the legal outcomes of those charges.
More than Immigration Violations
“This operation is about more than just immigration violations,” said Eric DeLaune, ICE HSI Special Agent in Charge in New Orleans. “We often uncover criminal activity including human trafficking, fraud, and labor exploitation during worksite enforcement efforts like this. These arrests help remove threats to public safety and uphold the integrity of our labor systems.”
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing to determine whether employers at the racetrack may face civil or criminal penalties for hiring unauthorized workers. ICE emphasized the importance of employer compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, which mandates that all employees be verified for work eligibility using Form I-9.
CBP Director Steven Stavinoha of the New Orleans Field Office stated the operation was part of a broader effort to combat illegal employment networks that exploit labor systems and compromise economic stability. The FBI New Orleans Field Office, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Lake Charles Police Department also played supporting roles in the multi-agency operation.
The public is reminded that all individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ICE will release additional information as the processing of detainees continues.
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Images Source: ICE
