Governor Brad Little announced today a new agreement between the Idaho State Police (ISP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the federal 287(g) program. The partnership authorizes Idaho law enforcement to transport hundreds of convicted illegal alien criminals from Idaho jails directly to ICE detention facilities for deportation processing.
The agreement is part of Idaho’s commitment to assist federal efforts aimed at addressing immigration-related criminal activity, especially for individuals deemed violent or dangerous. Through the 287(g) program, ICE delegates certain immigration enforcement authorities to state and local officers under federal oversight, enabling more coordinated action against removable aliens held in local custody.
Idaho will specifically implement the Jail Enforcement Model under the program, focusing on identifying and processing removable aliens who have served their sentences. ISP will manage transports to ICE detention centers, primarily the facility in Jefferson County, with the capacity to send higher-risk offenders to out-of-state locations.
“This initiative ensures dangerous illegal alien criminals are removed from our communities rather than released back into them,” Governor Little said. “Idaho is strengthening its partnership with the federal government to confront the national emergency caused by years of lax border policies. We’re committed to protecting Idaho families and upholding the rule of law.”
The move follows Governor Little’s Executive Order 2025-03, the Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Act, and aligns with House Bill 83, the Idaho Immigration Cooperation and Enforcement Act, legislation supported by the state’s agriculture sector and signed earlier this year.
Federal officials praised the collaboration. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the importance of local knowledge and enforcement authority in combating criminal activities related to illegal immigration, stating, “We are looking for more agreements like this across the country.”
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons highlighted the benefits of the program in protecting communities: “Partnerships like this one keep offenders out of communities and protect our families, friends, and neighbors.”
Under the agreement, ISP is authorized to spend up to $300,000 to conduct up to 100 transports over the next year, each involving multiple convicted illegal alien criminals. The enhanced transportation capacity aims to prevent situations where ICE lacks the resources to retrieve released offenders, who might otherwise return to Idaho communities.
Idaho’s new role in the 287(g) program reflects growing cooperation between state and federal authorities to enforce immigration laws more effectively and safeguard public safety.
BY: DNU staff