U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents shut down all entrances and exits to Delta Downs Racetrack in Vinton, Louisiana, on Tuesday as part of a raid targeting undocumented backstretch workers, according to sources familiar with the operation.
Agents arrived mid-morning and quickly sealed off the area. Several workers were reportedly apprehended, according to Eric Hamelback, CEO of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.
Though Tuesday is a dark day at the track—currently hosting a live Quarter Horse meet—the raid has heightened concerns among horsemen and industry officials. Over the past two weeks, ICE has conducted similar operations in other states, targeting industries reliant on immigrant labor.
Ed Fenasci, executive director of the Louisiana HBPA, said he had only received second-hand reports and was seeking more details. “With the feds involved, there’s not much we can do or say,” he noted.
Friday saw President Trump appear to scale back some workplace enforcement efforts following industry pushback, though fears remain widespread. On Monday, the National HBPA urged members to contact lawmakers to advocate for protecting immigrant-reliant industries such as racing, agriculture, and hospitality.
Hamelback said he was in discussions with the American Business Immigration Coalition to better understand if horse racing will remain under federal scrutiny. “This is very concerning,” he said.
While many backstretch workers are employed through the H-2B visa program, its high costs and bureaucratic hurdles mean that undocumented labor remains common, especially at smaller tracks.
