Idaho police agencies would apply for federal immigration programs

Each local law enforcement agency must apply for an eligible federal immigration enforcement program. This applies to law enforcement agencies of Idaho political subdivisions, including city police departments and county sheriff’s offices. Eligible programs include federal models that let specially trained local officers perform certain immigration enforcement tasks under federal oversight. Taking part is required only to the extent the agency has reasonably available resources. A county sheriff’s office or city police department may opt out if its county commission or city council makes a specific written finding that an agreement would hinder other services the agency must provide by law. The section would take effect July 1, 2026.

An agency with no or limited participation must publish and send federal officials a statement explaining why and describing efforts to cooperate in another way. The duty applies to a local law enforcement agency that cannot enter an agreement or is limited in its participation. This applies when an agency cannot enter an agreement under the opt-out provision or has limited participation under the available-resources rule. The section would take effect July 1, 2026.