Caldwell Housing Authority Refutes Claims of ICE Raid at Farmway Village

Authorities in Canyon County moved quickly this week to dispel rumors of immigration enforcement actions after false information circulated within a local housing community.

The Caldwell Housing Authority issued a formal statement Wednesday addressing unfounded claims about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids allegedly taking place at Farmway Village, a housing complex serving primarily agricultural workers and their families in the western Idaho community.

“We want to clarify that there have been no ICE raids at Farmway Village,” said Patricia Smith, executive director of the Caldwell Housing Authority. “These rumors have caused unnecessary anxiety among our residents, and we want to ensure everyone feels safe in their homes.”

The misinformation reportedly began spreading through social media and word-of-mouth early this week, prompting several concerned residents to contact the housing authority directly. Some families reportedly kept children home from school out of fear of potential enforcement actions.

Farmway Village, located just outside Caldwell city limits, provides affordable housing to approximately 250 families, many of whom work in Canyon County’s agricultural sector. The community has been a cornerstone of support for the region’s farm labor workforce since its establishment in the 1940s.

Local advocacy groups have expressed concern about the impact such rumors have on vulnerable communities. Maria Gonzalez from the Idaho Immigrant Rights Coalition noted that false information about immigration enforcement can have devastating effects regardless of accuracy.

“When these rumors circulate, we see immediate consequences—people afraid to go to work, children missing school, families isolating themselves,” Gonzalez said. “The fear is real even when the threat isn’t.”

Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue confirmed his department had not participated in or been notified of any federal immigration operations in the area. “We maintain communication with federal agencies operating in our jurisdiction, and no such activities have been reported to us,” he stated.

Idaho has seen a significant increase in its agricultural workforce over the past decade, with the state’s farm sector contributing over $8 billion annually to the economy. Housing complexes like Farmway Village play a crucial role in supporting this industry by providing stable housing for workers who might otherwise struggle to find affordable accommodations in the area’s increasingly competitive housing market.

Community leaders emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing it, particularly on matters relating to immigration enforcement. The Caldwell Housing Authority has implemented additional measures to combat misinformation, including posting notices in common areas and having staff available to address resident concerns directly.

“We’re committed to maintaining open lines of communication with our residents,” Smith added. “Anyone with concerns or questions should feel comfortable approaching our office directly rather than relying on unverified information.”

This incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy in agricultural communities nationwide. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, approximately 73% of agricultural workers in the United States are foreign-born, making immigration policies particularly impactful for the farming sector.

Local officials have scheduled a community meeting at the Farmway Village community center for next week to address resident concerns and provide accurate information about tenant rights and resources.

Farmway Village was modernized in 2011 through a $7.3 million renovation project that updated infrastructure and improved living conditions for residents. The complex continues to serve as essential housing for the region’s agricultural workforce, with residents working primarily in onion processing, dairy production, and fruit harvesting operations throughout Canyon County.

The Caldwell Housing Authority urges residents to contact their office directly with any questions or concerns and reminds the community that all housing authority properties operate in compliance with federal Fair Housing laws, which protect residents from discrimination regardless of national origin.