Federal Judge Orders Release of 16 Migrants After Controversial Idaho Raid
A federal judge has ordered the release of 16 migrants detained during an FBI-led raid at a racetrack in Wilder, Idaho. The ruling came after concerns were raised about due process violations, as many of those held had lived in the U.S. for years without criminal records.
The raid, which initially targeted gambling activity, resulted in the detention of around 400 people, including U.S. citizens and over 100 individuals arrested on immigration charges.
The operation took place at the Wilder racetrack, where witnesses described aggressive tactics by law enforcement. Reports included children being zip-tied and young kids separated from their parents. Despite the large-scale detention, only a small number of gambling-related arrests were made.
Out of the 105 people arrested for immigration violations, many signed voluntary departure agreements before speaking to lawyers. Just 18 of those detained challenged their detention in federal court. One early request for release was dismissed due to a poorly detailed filing.
The judge ruled that non-citizens living within the U.S. are entitled to due process rights, unlike those stopped at borders. Keeping them jailed without bond was deemed unlawful, leading to their release while their immigration cases proceed. Many of the migrants have deep family ties to U.S. citizens and no criminal history.
Those released will remain with their families while awaiting hearings. However, delays are expected due to a backlog of over 3 million immigration cases. The Trump administration has attempted to address this by hiring military lawyers as temporary judges and instructing judges to deny certain asylum claims.
The 16 migrants will now stay with their families as their cases move through the overburdened immigration system. Their release follows a ruling that their prolonged detention without bond violated their rights.
The raid itself, which initially focused on gambling, has drawn scrutiny over its scale and methods, particularly the treatment of families during the operation.
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