ICE Raids Bitcoin Mining Facility
In an operation targeting illegal immigration and compliance within the cryptocurrency mining sector, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) executed a raid on the Lonestar Dream Bitcoin mining facility located in Pyote, Texas. This coordinated effort involved multiple federal agencies, including agents from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), as well as personnel from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Detentions and Compliance Issues
Witnesses at the scene reported that law enforcement detained between 12 to 13 employees after several were unable to present valid identification. Notably, among those apprehended were foreign workers whose visas had expired.
Challenges in the Bitcoin Mining Sector
This incident underscores the broader trend in the region, as western Texas, particularly Pyote, has emerged as a significant area for Bitcoin mining activities. However, this influx has not been without its challenges. The CBP has been actively seizing shipments of ASIC mining machines, a crucial component for cryptocurrency mining, at various ports of entry. Many businesses have faced delays of months while their equipment was held, accumulating storage fees without clear explanations for their confiscations.
The situation persisted into the early days of 2025, with some companies only beginning to reclaim their hardware following previous regulations that tightened under the Trump administration.
