Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Idaho Governor Brad Little have announced a new agreement between the state of Idaho and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to support President Trump's deportation agenda. This partnership involves the Idaho State Police collaborating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to transfer hundreds of criminal illegal aliens from Idaho jails to ICE detention facilities for deportation. The agreement is part of the 287(g) authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Secretary Noem emphasized the importance of this strategy, stating, "287(g) is critically important to our strategy of having the enforcement that we need to really address the criminal activities that we’ve seen out on the ground." She expressed appreciation for local involvement, noting, "It has been wonderful to see people jump in and be a part of it."
Since President Trump took office, DHS has expanded its cooperation with state and local law enforcement significantly. ICE has signed hundreds of agreements under this initiative, reaching a total of 649.
Governor Little remarked on Idaho's role in supporting federal immigration efforts: “Idaho is stepping up to help the Trump administration transport illegal immigrants with criminal histories out of our jails and to ICE facilities.” He highlighted crimes committed by these individuals as threats to community safety.
Acting Director of ICE Todd Lyons praised Idaho's decision: "I’m really encouraged to see Idaho making its communities safer by signing on with our 287(g) program.” He explained that such partnerships allow for safer transfers without needing extensive federal law enforcement presence in public spaces.
DHS has conducted several successful operations under 287(g), including Operation Tidal Wave in Florida and similar efforts in Nashville, Tennessee, and Salt Lake City, Utah.
