Story perspectives

FBI Raids Idaho Arena in Major Gambling Investigation

10/20/2025

Summary

Story summary

On October 19, 2025, authorities raided La Catedral Arena in Wilder, Idaho, amid a gambling probe.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) detained people at the scene, with reports of zip-ties.
Ivan Tellez, owner of La Catedral Arena, faces charges for illegal gambling business.
The investigation found no parimutuel license and that Tellez profited from gambling.

History

Historical Context

The Organized Crime Control Act of 1970 aimed to dismantle organized crime, particularly targeting the Mafia, which had thrived since Prohibition in the 1920s. By the 1980s, the FBI reported organized crime generated around $40 billion annually. The recent raid on La Catedral Arena in Idaho highlights ongoing efforts to combat illegal gambling, reflecting the persistent challenges law enforcement faces in curbing organized crime's influence.

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Story summary

On October 19, 2025, authorities raided La Catedral Arena in Wilder, Idaho, amid a gambling probe.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) detained people at the scene, with reports of zip-ties.
Ivan Tellez, owner of La Catedral Arena, faces charges for illegal gambling business.
The investigation found no parimutuel license and that Tellez profited from gambling.

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