Caldwell Housing Authority Refutes Claims of ICE Raid at Farmway Village

Immigration officials conducted a routine enforcement operation at Farmway Village in Caldwell this week, but the event sparked controversy and confusion after misleading reports circulated throughout the community.

The Caldwell Housing Authority (CHA) has stepped forward to dispel rumors that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted a raid at the residential complex, stating that claims of a mass enforcement action are unfounded and inaccurate.

Mike Dittenber, Executive Director of the Caldwell Housing Authority, clarified that while ICE agents were present at Farmway Village, their activities were targeted and limited in scope. According to Dittenber, agents were following specific leads regarding individuals with outstanding deportation orders rather than conducting sweeping raids across the property.

“We want to assure our residents that this was not a random sweep or mass enforcement action,” Dittenber said. “The officers were pursuing specific persons of interest based on prior investigations.”

Farmway Village, a residential community managed by the Caldwell Housing Authority, houses approximately 260 families, many of whom are agricultural workers and immigrants. The complex has been a vital housing resource for the region’s farming workforce for decades.

The incident has heightened anxieties in Idaho’s immigrant communities, particularly as federal immigration enforcement policies have fluctuated in recent years. Several community advocacy groups expressed concern about the operation’s impact on residents, many of whom reportedly feared leaving their homes in the aftermath.

Alicia Garza from the Idaho Immigrant Rights Coalition noted that such enforcement actions, regardless of scale, can have ripple effects throughout vulnerable communities. “Even targeted operations can create widespread fear and disrupt daily life for many families, including those with mixed immigration status,” Garza explained.

Local officials emphasized that the Caldwell Housing Authority operates in compliance with federal housing regulations, which do not require verification of immigration status for certain housing programs. The CHA maintains that its primary mission is providing safe, affordable housing for qualifying low-income residents.

Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue confirmed that his department was not directly involved in the ICE operation but had been notified as a courtesy prior to the enforcement action. “This was entirely a federal operation that fell under ICE jurisdiction,” Donahue stated.

Idaho has seen a gradual increase in immigration enforcement activities over the past three years, reflecting broader national trends. The state’s agricultural sector, which relies heavily on immigrant labor, has been particularly affected by these developments.

The Idaho Department of Labor reports that approximately 18% of the state’s agricultural workforce consists of immigrant laborers, with the highest concentrations in Canyon, Ada, and Owyhee counties. This demographic has been essential to maintaining Idaho’s $8.4 billion agricultural industry, especially in labor-intensive crops like onions, sugar beets, and potatoes.

Community leaders have called for greater transparency regarding immigration enforcement operations. Caldwell City Councilmember Maria Martinez advocated for improved communication channels between federal agencies and local communities. “Residents deserve clear information about what is happening in their neighborhoods to prevent unnecessary panic and misinformation,” Martinez said.

In response to the incident, several local organizations have established temporary support services for affected families at Farmway Village. The Hispanic Cultural Center of Idaho is providing legal resources and counseling services to residents concerned about their status or rights.

ICE spokesperson Danielle Bennett confirmed that the agency conducted targeted enforcement operations in the Caldwell area but declined to provide specific details about arrests or detainments, citing ongoing investigations. Bennett added that ICE prioritizes enforcement against individuals who pose national security threats or have serious criminal convictions.

The Caldwell Housing Authority plans to hold a community meeting next week to address residents’ concerns and provide accurate information about tenant rights and protections.

As tensions subside, local officials and community advocates continue to emphasize the importance of factual reporting around immigration enforcement actions to prevent unnecessary distress and community disruption.