CANYON COUNTY, Idaho — Four individuals are now in custody after a federal search warrant was served with a massive law enforcement presence at La Cathedral Arena, a private racetrack, in Wilder.
WATCH: Neighborhood Reporter Brady Caskey speaks with one woman who says her father was detained
A criminal complaint obtained by Idaho News 6 accuses Ivan Tellez, the owner of La Catedral Area, of running an illegal gambling business at the private racetrack, along with numerous others, including multiple horse owners. The complaint also says Tellez is a permanent resident of the U.S. The complaint alleges that Tellez and his associates made and accepted pool bets on Facebook in connection with the horse racing operation. The State of Idaho requires a license to operate horse race-based betting.
WATCH: Law enforcement officials from various local, state, and federal agencies in Wilder
Approximately 200 law enforcement personnel assisted, according to the FBI.
Neighborhood Reporter Steve Dent was at the scene, where he says federal law enforcement officials, including ICE, detained individuals at a private racetrack.
Several federal agencies were present, including: FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Bureau of Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Local agencies also responded, including the Nampa Police Department, the Canyon County Sheriff's Office, the Canyon County Sheriff's Office Crime Lab, the Caldwell Police Department, and Idaho State Police.
Some of the officers and agents were masked.
Many of the people at the scene were questioned by ICE, the FBI, and Border Patrol.
WATCH: A group of people in chains is loaded into a van
Some of those people had their hands zip-tied or chained and were loaded into vans. Others were released, including children.
A person on scene told Idaho News 6 there was a family racing event being held at the racetrack on Sunday. She also told Idaho News 6 that her husband was detained.
A community meeting was held by the ACLU on Sunday night for those who could not find their family members. At that meeting, some individuals stated that people were offered $1000 to self-deport.
VIDEO: Two children reunite with their family at the scene
Videos taken early Sunday afternoon show officials in military gear with German Shepherds and rifles asking the crowd of people to stand back. Dozens of people seemed to be trying to talk with the officials.
A spokesperson with ACLU says they were told the law enforcement officials on scene were using rubber bullets.
A video from a viewer also shows a helicopter circling in the sky above the property. Officials also used drones to search for others in a nearby field.
“Illegal gambling isn’t a victimless crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI in a press release. “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.”
Bohls and Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue are expected to give further statements on Monday afternoon.
If convicted, Tellez could face up to five years in prison and be forced to pay upwards of $250,000 in fines.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) says four individuals were taken into custody on Sunday:
- IVAN TELLEZ, 37, of Wilder, ID;
- SAMUEL BEJARANO, 37, of Nyssa, OR;
- DAYANA FAJARDO, 39, of Nyssa, OR;
- ALEJANDRO ESTRADA, 56, of Buhl, ID
Idaho News 6 will continue to cover this story as more information becomes available.
