“I Just Stood There Crying.” ICE Raid in Idaho Leaves Minor in Handcuffs

Girl Restrained During ICE Raid

ICE Denies Allegations

ACLU Files Lawsuit

An immigration raid in Idaho reignited the national debate over ICE tactics when children are present and sparked a lawsuit.

The case involves a 14-year-old girl who said she was restrained with zip ties during the operation.

The allegations contradict the official version from local and federal authorities.

They also intensify scrutiny over the raid policies of the administration of President Donald Trump.

ICE Raid Disrupts Family Event in Idaho

The ICE operation took place at a community recreational venue, with families and minors present.

The intervention included armed agents, armored vehicles, and what was described as a militarized deployment.

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The episode led to a federal civil rights lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

The organization warns of lasting physical and emotional harm to the children involved.

Images Contradict Official Version

Violence, no food, zip-ties: What a lawsuit says happened at the Wilder ICE raid https://t.co/9c0EWEDggL

— Idaho Statesman (@IdahoStatesman) February 10, 2026

The ICE raid took place in October at La Catedral Arena, a popular horse racing site.

Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue praised the detention of 105 undocumented immigrants.

He initially denied that zip ties were used to restrain children present at the scene.

Later, he was shown photographs obtained by CBS News.

The images appear to show plastic zip ties and bruised wrists belonging to SueHey, 14.

SueHey is the daughter of Anabel Romero, a U.S. citizen.

The girl was caring for her 6- and 8-year-old siblings during the event.

According to testimony, agents in military-style uniforms stormed in and moved the crowd into a confined area.

Donahue expressed regret over what happened but defended law enforcement actions.

“Law enforcement is not bad because we detained everyone,” he said.

The lawsuit against ICE alleges child mistreatment during an operation involving helicopters and armored vehicles.

It also mentions the use of stun grenades.

Children’s Testimonies Shake the Community

Massive raid at a horse racing site in Wilder, Idaho. Dozens of illegal aliens were detained even though many tried to escape. DHS had the entire ranch surrounded capturing them in the fields, porta potties. Juan way or another they are going to get you. Self deport now! pic.twitter.com/S6tkABgnHW

— Kim «Katie» USA (@KimKatieUSA) October 20, 2025

The ACLU filed a federal civil rights lawsuit following the ICE operation.

It claims that families—many of them U.S. citizens of Hispanic descent—were mistreated.

The organization links the Idaho case to other recent incidents in Minnesota.

There, families reported the use of tear gas near children.

A viral image showed a five-year-old child being detained.

According to the ACLU, these cases reflect a normalization of severe actions toward minors.

“They have caused lasting harm to children,” said Jenn Rolnick Borchetta.

The administration denied that any minor was restrained or arrested during the ICE raid in Idaho.

“ICE did not zip-tie, detain, or arrest any child,” Trisha McLaughlin told CBS News.

The spokesperson stated that such accusations increase aggression and threats against agents.

However, detainee testimonies contradict that version.

SueHey said she was taken along with hundreds of people and restrained with zip ties.

“I just stood there crying,” she said. “I couldn’t even articulate a word.”

Her mother said she could not comfort her because she was also restrained.

“I can’t hold her because they won’t let me go,” she recalled saying.

Videos show around 200 officers entering the site.

Children reported guns being pointed at them and rubber bullets passing nearby.

The lawsuit alleges that agents broke car windows where minors had taken shelter.

An 8-year-old child said he had glass in his mouth after the operation.

The case remains central to the ongoing Idaho ICE raid lawsuit debate.