14-Year-Old Girl Recalls Being Bound During ICE Operation in Idaho
Wilder, Idaho — A 14-year-old girl, SueHey, vividly recalls the chaos that erupted when law enforcement agents stormed a local horse racing venue last October. The operation, which resulted in the detention of 105 undocumented immigrants, has drawn scrutiny after allegations surfaced regarding the use of zip ties on minors.
Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue initially defended the actions of his department, dismissing claims of mistreatment. However, photographic evidence later contradicted his statements, showing SueHey's bruised wrists and the plastic restraints used during the raid. "God bless her. I'm sorry she went through that," Donahue remarked, attempting to justify the containment of individuals during the operation.
The incident has ignited a national conversation about the militarization of immigration enforcement under the current administration. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a federal lawsuit, asserting that the treatment of families at La Catedral Arena was not only inappropriate but indicative of a troubling trend in law enforcement practices across the country.
While the Idaho raid has been overshadowed by similar events in Minnesota, where federal agents faced backlash for their aggressive tactics, it has nonetheless raised alarms about the normalization of such actions in front of children. "They have done long-lasting damage to children," stated Jenn Rolnick Borchetta from the ACLU, emphasizing the need for Congress to intervene.
Despite official denials from Homeland Security that children were zip-tied during the operation, SueHey's account paints a starkly different picture. In an exclusive interview, she described being herded onto the racetrack with hundreds of others and having her hands bound. "I'm just like there crying, like I'm struggling to breathe," she recounted, her voice trembling.
Witnesses reported a heavy police presence, including helicopters and armored vehicles, as agents descended on the venue. Many children were reportedly threatened with firearms, while others experienced physical violence. One child recounted how agents smashed car windows where frightened kids had sought refuge from the rain.
Juana Rodriguez, another attendee, described being bound for hours while her young son cried out for comfort. "As a parent, nothing is more heartbreaking than hearing your child cry out in fear," she lamented. The ACLU's lawsuit alleges that multiple minors were restrained with plastic cuffs, leaving them with visible injuries.
Romero, SueHey's mother, was also subjected to zip ties and was unable to console her daughter during the ordeal. "I can't hold her because you guys won't let me go," she pleaded with agents. The chaos escalated as agents aggressively searched for individuals they suspected were undocumented.
As the situation unfolded, SueHey's siblings were also caught in the crossfire. "I was brave and I opened the door because I wanted to protect my sister," said 6-year-old Alfredo, who witnessed the terrifying scene unfold. The siblings were eventually separated from their mother and forced onto the racetrack.
After several hours of detention and questioning about their legal status, Romero and her children were released. However, the emotional scars remain. Photos reveal deep bruises on SueHey's wrists, a stark reminder of their traumatic experience. "That day, I felt like our freedom was taken away from us," she reflected.
The raid's justification centered around an alleged illegal gambling operation at the racetrack. Sheriff Donahue claimed that cartel activity was a primary concern, but many believe that immigration enforcement was a significant focus as well. Witnesses reported that agents rounded up attendees based on their appearance rather than any legitimate legal basis.
Local immigration attorney Nikki Ramirez-Smith expressed concern over law enforcement's misjudgment of the event's demographics. "I think law enforcement misjudged it because the event is in Spanish," she noted, highlighting a disconnect between authorities and the community they serve.
Four months post-raid, only five individuals have faced criminal charges related to gambling. Meanwhile, the psychological impact on children involved is profound. Reports indicate that some children now harbor fears of law enforcement and experience nightmares related to their detention.
As community trust erodes, Sheriff Donahue acknowledged that relationships with Idaho's Latino population have been strained. SueHey articulated her newfound hesitance to call for help in emergencies: "How are they gonna treat me even though I'm a U.S. citizen?" she questioned, reflecting a deep-seated fear that lingers long after the incident.
