Private Notice: Federal Agencies Prohibited from Entering Racetracks Without a Warrant, States Instructed
Tuesday Stunner: ICE swoops on Delta Downs, nabs over 80 undocumented workers
Witnessed on: June 20, 2025, 12:03h.Last revised: June 20, 2025, 01:38h.
By Philip Conneller, casinoorgphilc | Gaming News, Legal Affairs, Labor Issues
The National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) has geared up racetracks nationwide to shut out Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in absence of a legitimate warrant.
This stance comes in the wake of an ICE raid at Delta Downs Racetrack in Vinton, La., the previous day, that netted the arrest of 84 undocumented laborers from the backstretch.
Bar ICE, Demand a Warrant
This unsolicited sweep has sent shockwaves across the industry given its historical reliance on hard-working immigrants to tackle low-paying, physically demanding roles in the backstretch. A similar pattern of raids could annihilate horse racing as we know it.
According to HBPA guidance, "Racetrack security, backside gate personnel, and all facility management must bar ICE agents entry based solely on a request or agency credentials. Entry is to be denied unless a search or arrest warrant, signed by an Article III judge or magistrate, is physically presented and its scope reviewed." If ICE operatives arrive warrantless, they're to be politely rebuffed.
The HBPA underlines the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, defending against searches and seizures devoid of judicial sanction.
Many backstretch workers aren't directly employed by the racetrack, instead hired by trainers, owners, or contractors. Living on-premises, they often navigate a protracted and hefty H-2B visa process.
No Exemption for Racing?
Delta Downs was the first major raid at a U.S. racetrack since the new administration assumed office in January. While there'd been hope state-regulated facilities like racetracks might escape the workplace raids emblematic of the regime's second term, it appears that reluctance might have been misplaced.
In a June 12 post on Truth Social, ex-President Trump seemed to acknowledge the necessity of shielding industries dependent on labor forces tackling jobs Americans often shun.
Our esteemed agricultural communities andHotel & Leisure sector have been insisting that our assertive immigration policy is whisking away valued workers, used for tasks that are difficult to replace," Trump penned.
"We have to safeguard our Farmers, yet root out the CRIMINALS from the USA. Changes are impending!"
ICE officials divulged that out of the 84 individuals seized at Delta Downs, merely two had a criminal history.
Rooney: Delta Was a Dragnet
National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) president Tom Rooney informed the Daily Racing Form that NTRA members have reported ICE agents approaching tracks seeking specific individuals, to which entry was granted. However, the Delta Downs raid stands apart.
"From what I understand, they were searching for specific individuals and it escalated into a wide sweep. That, I believe, was the distinction," Rooney disclosed.
- In response to the ICE raid at Delta Downs Racetrack, the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) advises racetracks across the USA to refuse entry to ICE agents without a legitimate warrant.
- The recent ICE immigration raids at Delta Downs, which led to the arrest of 84 undocumented workers from the backstretch, have sparked concerns within the horse racing industry.
- The HBPA urges racetrack security, backside gate personnel, and facility management to deny entry to ICE agents unless they present a search or arrest warrant, signed by an Article III judge or magistrate, and its scope is reviewed.
- Many backstretch workers at US racetracks are not directly employed by the tracks, but by trainers, owners, or contractors, and often navigate a complex and prolonged H-2B visa process.
- Despite hopes that state-regulated facilities like racetracks might be exempt from the workplace raids characteristic of the current administration, the ICE raid at Delta Downs indicates that this might not be the case.
