Judge Orders Release of 16 Immigrants Following Controversial Raid in Idaho

Sat Nov 22 2025 02:09:57 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A federal judge has mandated the release of 16 individuals detained by immigration officials during an FBI-led raid at a racetrack in Idaho. The ruling highlights due process rights for non-citizens in the U.S.

In a landmark decision, U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill has ordered the release of 16 immigrants held without bond after a raid at a rural Idaho racetrack. He noted that many of the detainees had resided in the U.S. for decades and emphasized their entitlement to due process rights. The raid, conducted by the FBI, involved over 200 officers and resulted in around 400 detentions primarily under immigration violations. Homeland Security has claimed the arrests were lawful, while also sparking debates over the treatment of detainees during such operations.

A federal judge has ruled the release of 16 immigrants detained during an FBI-led raid in Idaho, citing violations of their due process rights. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill highlighted that many detainees lived in America for decades, some married to U.S. citizens, noting the need for fair legal proceedings.

The raid took place on October 19 at a racetrack in Wilder, part of an investigation into illegal gambling, involving over 200 law enforcement officers. Although intended to address gambling activities, the operation led to substantial immigration-related detentions, raising concerns over tactics used such as separating families.

Critics of the operation argue that such raids unfairly target vulnerable populations, and responses from the Department of Homeland Security reflect ongoing tensions in immigration policy, stating they will pursue individuals deemed unlawful in the country.

Judge Winmill’s decision could influence future immigration proceedings, emphasizing that non-citizens present in the U.S. are entitled to due process. With immigration courts facing significant backlogs, some detainees may wait years for their hearings, demonstrating the complexity and contentious nature of U.S. immigration laws.