Idaho Joins ICE in New Deportation Agreement: What You Should Know

This month, Governor Brad Little announced that Idaho is officially entering into a new partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), marking a major shift in how the state handles immigration enforcement involving non-citizens convicted of crimes.

The agreement, signed between ICE and the Idaho State Police, allows ISP to directly transport up to 100 non-citizen inmates from Idaho jails to federal immigration detention centers. This initiative is funded by $300,000 in emergency state dollars and will run for one year.

The move has already sparked debate across the state and political lines.

Let’s break down what the partnership includes, why supporters and critics are weighing in, and what it might mean for law enforcement and community trust in Idaho.

What Just Happened?

Idaho’s newly announced participation in ICE’s 287(g) program gives state law enforcement broader authority in the immigration process.

Specifically, it allows Idaho State Police officers to:

• Identify non-citizen inmates convicted of crimes such as DUI, robbery, and domestic violence

• Transport those individuals directly to federal ICE detention after they’ve completed their jail or prison sentence

• Bypass traditional release processes that would return individuals to local communities

  
  

The agreement does not give ISP officers the ability to conduct immigration enforcement in the field, such as during routine traffic stops. It is focused solely on the transport and coordination of inmates after they’ve served time for serious offenses.

Why Supporters Back the Move

For Governor Little and other supporters, the goal is simple: ensure that people convicted of violent or dangerous crimes do not return to Idaho communities if they are not in the country legally.

They argue that this initiative:

• Enhances public safety

• Prevents repeat offenses by removing high-risk individuals

• Fills a gap in the state’s coordination with federal immigration authorities

  
  

“This is about protecting law-abiding Idahoans,” Little said during the announcement. “When someone has committed a serious crime and is here unlawfully, they should not be released back into our neighborhoods.”

Supporters also note that the program is tightly focused and comes with clear guidelines around eligibility and implementation.

What Critics Are Saying

On the other side of the conversation, organizations like the ACLU of Idaho and other civil liberties advocates are raising concerns.

They warn that programs like 287(g):

• Risk eroding trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement

• It may be a gateway to broader enforcement practices with less oversight

• Could lead to civil rights violations or due process issues if not closely monitored

  
  

Critics argue that the program might have a chilling effect, discouraging immigrant families from reporting crimes or seeking help when they need it. They also point out that federal immigration enforcement is a complex system, and local law enforcement may not always be equipped to navigate its legal nuances without issues arising.

The timing of Idaho’s participation is also drawing attention, as other jurisdictions around the country are scaling back or ending similar partnerships amid legal and political controversy.

A Shift in Idaho’s Immigration Policy

This agreement represents the state’s most direct involvement with federal immigration enforcement to date. While Idaho has previously cooperated with ICE in various ways, the 287(g) agreement formalizes that role and puts ISP in a more active position.

For some, it’s a long-overdue step to close loopholes and enhance safety. For others, it’s a troubling sign of overreach and a shift toward more aggressive immigration policy at the state level.

Either way, it reflects a growing divide not just in Idaho, but across the country over how much control states and local governments should have in federal immigration matters.

What Happens Next?

The agreement is active for one year and is currently limited to the transfer of up to 100 individuals. After that period, the state will review the program and decide whether to renew, expand, or terminate the partnership.

In the meantime, here’s what to watch for:

• How local communities respond, especially those with large immigrant populations

• Whether the number of transfers approaches the 100-person cap

• If any legal challenges emerge around implementation

• Whether public support grows or shifts as the program rolls out

  
  

Governor Little has said that transparency and accountability will be part of the process, but critics will be watching closely to see how those promises are delivered in practice.

Final Thoughts: A Moment for Dialogue

The Idaho–ICE agreement may be technical on paper, but it touches on some of the biggest and most emotional issues in public life today: safety, fairness, belonging, and the role of government.

For some, it’s a common-sense move to keep dangerous individuals off the streets. For others, it raises serious questions about civil liberties and the future of immigration policy in the state.

Wherever you land on the issue, one thing is clear—this partnership will have ripple effects throughout Idaho’s legal system and communities over the next year.

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