Federal Judge Orders Release of 16 Immigration Detainees in Idaho Raid

Fri Nov 21 2025 07:20:12 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A federal judge in Idaho has ruled that 16 immigrants detained during an FBI-led raid at a racetrack must be released, citing violations of their due process rights. The decision comes amid ongoing concerns over immigration enforcement practices and legal entanglements.

U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill has ordered the release of 16 individuals detained during an FBI-led operation in Idaho, ruling that their prolonged detention without bond violated their constitutional due process rights. The raid, part of an investigation into gambling activities, involved around 400 detainees, many of whom were long-term residents or had familial ties to U.S. citizens. The judge emphasized the recognized distinction in immigration law protecting those residing in the U.S. from wrongful detention.

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A federal judge has ordered the release of 16 immigrants detained during an FBI-led raid at a rural Idaho racetrack last month.

U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill ruled Wednesday that keeping the migrants jailed without bond violated their due process rights, mandating their release while awaiting the outcome of their immigration proceedings. Many of the individuals have resided in the U.S. for decades and hold no criminal records. Some are married to U.S. citizens or have children who are U.S. citizens.

In response to the ruling, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reiterated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents executed lawful arrests during the raid, asserting that an 'activist judge' is allowing 'lawbreakers' to remain free.

The raid occurred on October 19 at a privately operated racetrack in Wilder, part of a broader investigation into potential illegal gambling operations. Over 200 officers from 14 different agencies participated, detaining around 400 individuals for several hours. Witnesses reported aggressive practices during the operation, including allegations of children being zip-tied and separated from their parents.

Despite the extensive detentions, very few arrests were made related to the investigation, with a large number of those detained being charged with immigration violations. Many signed deportation documents without legal counsel, prompting concerns about the fairness and legality of the process.

Only 18 detainees have filed for release in federal court. Although some faced initial setbacks due to insufficient detail in their filings, the federal judge in Idaho emphasized due process rights applicable to non-citizens residing in the U.S., contrasting these protections with those afforded to individuals caught near the border.

Treating the detention of noncitizens stopped at or near the border differently from noncitizens who reside within the country reflects the long-recognized distinction in our immigration laws and Constitution that due process protections apply to noncitizens residing within the country, Winmill explained in his ruling.

Winmill's endorsement of due process highlights the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement tactics, especially as court backlogs continue to swell, delaying hearings for many migrants.