The Idaho Department of Correction has entered into a formal partnership with federal immigration authorities, marking a significant expansion of state cooperation in border enforcement efforts. As first reported by idahocapitalsun.com, the agreement signed on August 28 designates the state’s prison system as the second agency in Idaho to participate in the federal 287(g) program.
This move aligns state correctional resources with federal priorities, ensuring that individuals convicted of crimes within Idaho are transferred to federal custody upon completion of their sentences if they face immigration violations. Governor Brad Little emphasized the administration’s commitment to legal compliance and public safety in announcing the partnership.
Why It Matters
For Idaho taxpayers and communities, this agreement represents a shift toward greater accountability for non-citizens who violate state laws. By formalizing the process of identifying and transferring inmates subject to deportation, the Department of Correction aims to reduce the burden on local facilities while reinforcing the rule of law.
The expansion of 287(g) agreements across multiple jurisdictions reflects a broader trend in Idaho law enforcement: a growing willingness among state and local officials to collaborate directly with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This cooperation is designed to ensure that individuals who pose risks to public safety do not remain in the community after serving their time.
Governor Brad Little stated, “Idaho has a responsibility to uphold the rule of law and protect the people of our state. This agreement gives Idaho another tool to make sure criminal aliens who are subject to federal immigration enforcement are transferred to federal custody when they have completed their Idaho sentences.”, as first reported by the Idaho Capital Sun
What Happened
Under the terms of the new agreement, designated correction officers will be authorized to serve immigration warrants within state prisons. This “warrant service” model allows Idaho officials to act as agents of federal law enforcement, facilitating the seamless transfer of inmates to ICE custody.
The Department of Correction’s entry into the program follows a similar arrangement established by the Idaho State Police in June 2025. The state police force has already demonstrated the operational viability of such partnerships, transporting more than 80 individuals to federal detention facilities as of May this year.
The agreement formalizes existing informal practices where correctional staff provided ICE with inmate information and coordinated detainers. By codifying these procedures, the state ensures consistency and clarity in how immigration enforcement is handled within its correctional facilities.
By The Numbers
- August 28: Date the Idaho Department of Correction signed the 287(g) agreement with ICE.
- 2 State Agencies: IDOC is the second state agency to join the program, following the Idaho State Police.
- 12 Local Agencies: A total of twelve local law enforcement agencies in Idaho currently hold 287(g) agreements.
- 19 Arrests: The number of arrests attributed to the 287(g) program in Idaho from the start of 2025 through August 6, 2026.
- 80+ Transfers: The number of people transported by the Idaho State Police to federal detention as of May 2025.
Zoom Out
The spread of 287(g) agreements in Idaho mirrors a national movement among conservative-led states to strengthen border security and immigration enforcement. While some jurisdictions have moved away from cooperation with federal immigration authorities, Idaho has taken the opposite approach, expanding its network of participating agencies.
Currently, sheriff’s offices in Bingham, Bonneville, Washington, Caribou, Franklin, Clearwater, Ada, Gooding, Power, and Owyhee counties participate in the program. Additionally, the Post Falls Police Department became the first and only city agency in Idaho to sign such an agreement on June 25.
Owyhee and Kootenai counties are notable for holding dual agreements, utilizing both the warrant service model and the task force model. This versatility allows these jurisdictions to tailor their cooperation with ICE to specific local needs and resource capabilities.
The debate over mandatory participation highlights tensions within law enforcement ranks. During the 2026 legislative session, some lawmakers proposed requiring all statewide law enforcement agencies to enter into 287(g) agreements. However, many local sheriffs opposed these mandates, arguing that participation should remain voluntary based on individual agency resources and priorities.
Payette County Sheriff Andy Creech voiced concerns about resource allocation, noting that local departments lack the manpower to assume additional federal responsibilities. “We’re working with ICE, and we don’t have the manpower to go out and do ICE’s job,” Creech told the Idaho Capital Sun. “That’s ICE’s job.”
What’s Next
With the Department of Correction now part of the 287(g) network, Idaho will likely see an increase in the number of inmates transferred to federal custody upon release. The success of this partnership may influence future legislative discussions regarding mandatory participation for other state agencies.
As more local and state agencies join the program, Idaho positions itself as a key player in regional border security efforts within the Mountain West. The data collected from these operations will be critical in evaluating the effectiveness of 287(g) agreements in enhancing public safety and enforcing immigration laws.
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