Idaho House Committee Advances Immigration Bill
A committee within the Idaho House of Representatives has moved forward with a legislative proposal that would require local law enforcement agencies to seek agreements with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The decision came after a vote by the House Local Government Committee, which ended with a 12-4 majority in favor of advancing the bill to the full House for further consideration.
Details of the Proposed Legislation
The bill, known as House Bill 659, mandates that all city and county law enforcement agencies in Idaho apply to participate in the federal 287(g) program. This program facilitates collaboration between local law enforcement and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE. The bill encourages agencies to explore various models under this program, including the jail enforcement and warrant service models.
The jail enforcement model allows local authorities to identify and process individuals in local jails who may be subject to deportation. Meanwhile, the warrant service model enables local law enforcement to execute warrants on undocumented individuals in custody. Additional models, such as the task force model, permit officers to engage in limited immigration enforcement activities in the field.
Provisions for Non-Participation
If a law enforcement agency cannot enter into a 287(g) agreement, the bill requires the agency to issue a public statement explaining the reasons for its inability to do so. This statement must also outline any efforts made to establish alternative forms of cooperation with ICE’s enforcement and removal operations.
Public Hearing and Testimonies
The committee’s decision followed a public hearing that lasted approximately 90 minutes. During this session, Committee Chairwoman Rep. Barbara Ehardt limited testimony to 45 minutes, acknowledging that not all individuals who wished to speak would have the opportunity. Five individuals expressed support for the bill, while four voiced opposition.
Law Enforcement Concerns
Some members of Idaho’s law enforcement community have expressed concerns about the bill. Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue, representing law enforcement interests, described the bill as an overreach by the state. He emphasized the potential challenges and implications for local agencies tasked with implementing federal immigration policies.
Background and Context
The introduction of House Bill 659 is part of a broader legislative initiative focused on immigration-related issues. Rep. Dale Hawkins, who presented the bill, has been at the forefront of these efforts. He and other legislators have emphasized the importance of adhering to existing laws and addressing illegal immigration through enhanced cooperation with federal authorities.
Proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to ensure that local law enforcement agencies are aligned with federal immigration enforcement efforts. They believe that such collaboration is essential for maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law.
Next Steps
With the committee’s approval, the bill will now proceed to the full Idaho House of Representatives for further debate and voting. If passed, it would mark a significant shift in how local law enforcement agencies in Idaho engage with federal immigration authorities.
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