Wilder, Idaho: A Community Divided by Fear
In October 2025, a horse racing event in Wilder, Idaho, turned chaotic when law enforcement descended in military gear. Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue reported the arrest of 105 undocumented immigrants but dismissed claims of using zip ties on children. However, photos from the scene told a different story, showing the bruised wrists of a 14-year-old girl, SueHey Romero, who was attending the event with her younger siblings.
“This isn’t evil,” Sheriff Donahue said, defending law enforcement tactics. But many, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), argue that the treatment of families during the raid raises serious concerns about the use of force against children. The ACLU has filed a lawsuit claiming harsh actions are becoming the norm during immigration enforcement.
SueHey recounted her terrifying experience. She hid in a horse stall while agents pointed guns at others, fearing for her younger siblings. “I was crying, struggling to breathe,” she said. Her mother, Anabel Romero, described how she was bound with plastic zip ties along with her daughter.
Law enforcement justified their actions as a necessary response to suspected illegal gambling at the racetrack, yet the sheer force used—helicopters, armored vehicles, and hundreds of agents—felt excessive to witnesses. Many attendees, mostly Latino families, felt they were unfairly targeted. Local attorney Nikki Ramirez-Smith noted that many people detained were U.S. citizens or had lived in the country for decades without issue.
The psychological impact of the raid has been profound. Children, like SueHey’s brother Alfredo, are now scared to interact with police. “How will they treat me?” she wonders, questioning the safety of calling for help in emergencies.
The fallout from the incident is far-reaching. “This broke trust that took generations to build,” Romero said. The ACLU highlighted the emotional scars left on the community, with children now fearful of law enforcement rather than feeling protected.
In a notable contrast, past immigration sweeps were often less militarized, focusing more on undocumented individuals with criminal backgrounds. This current approach represents a significant shift towards aggressive tactics, raising ethical and moral questions about the treatment of children and families.
As these events unfold, it’s essential to reflect on how community trust is eroded, leaving many questioning their safety and rights.
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Idaho
