ACLU files lawsuit against violent immigration raid in Idaho

The American Civil Liberties Union recently took legal action against the federal government in response to a contentious immigration raid at an event in Wilder, Idaho. The ACLU, along with the ACLU of Idaho and Wendy J. Olson, pursued a lawsuit regarding an immigration raid that occurred in October 2025 at the La Catedral arena.

Allegedly, the raid involved over 200 law enforcement officers equipped with firearms, flashbang grenades, armored vehicles, and helicopters, resulting in the detainment of approximately 400 individuals, including U.S. citizens and children. The ACLU described the events on October 19, 2025, as a stark contrast to the usual family-friendly atmosphere, with ICE officials resorting to aggressive measures that included pushing people to the ground, forcibly removing individuals from vehicles, firing rubber bullets, and deploying flashbang grenades into occupied cars.

Jenn Rolnick Borchetta, the ACLU’s deputy director of policing, expressed concern over the inhumane treatment of individuals during the raid, stating that the Trump administration’s actions disregarded fundamental rights and utilized racially biased tactics that compromised safety. The ACLU’s aim is to challenge the administration’s perception of legal immunity by holding them accountable for their actions through legal means.

By targeting the location of the raid, La Catedral, the ACLU believes that the administration sought to instill fear within Latino immigrant communities. The arena is known for hosting horseraces and cultural celebrations, with families gathering to enjoy Mexican cuisine, entertainment, and games. The ACLU’s lawsuit represents three Latino families, including U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, in an effort to challenge ICE’s practices and bring attention to the impact of such immigration enforcement tactics.

Juana Rodriguez, one of the plaintiffs in the case, described the traumatic experience she and her young son endured during the raid. As a U.S. citizen, Rodriguez emphasized that the events turned their outing into a nightmare, exposing her child to violence and racial slurs. Despite the irreparable harm caused by the raid, Rodriguez joined the lawsuit to seek justice and prevent similar injustices in the future.

Leo Morales, executive director of the ACLU of Idaho, condemned the actions of law enforcement during the raid, highlighting the lasting trauma experienced by affected families. Morales questioned the kind of society that allows for such treatment and stressed the importance of holding those in power accountable for their actions to prevent future incidents of abuse.

In conclusion, the ACLU’s legal efforts aim to challenge the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement tactics and seek justice for the individuals impacted by the violent raid in Wilder, Idaho. Through this lawsuit, the ACLU hopes to bring attention to the unjust treatment of families, particularly children, and advocate for accountability and reform within immigration enforcement practices.