This bill allows Idaho correctional officials to release certain illegal alien offenders from state custody before their sentences end, transferring them to federal immigration authorities for deportation. It applies only to individuals with fixed-term sentences, excluding those facing life imprisonment or the death penalty, and requires a final deportation order from the U.S. Attorney General before release can occur. Released offenders remain subject to their original sentences, with any remaining time tolled until they are arrested again or return to the United States illegally, and they must continue to pay court-ordered restitution. The law also mandates that victims receive written notice before release and prohibits future conditional release for anyone who illegally reenters the country. The provisions take effect on July 1, 2026.
This bill would require Idaho law enforcement agencies to apply for participation in a federal Section 287(g) program that allows local police and sheriff's offices to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement on immigration enforcement activities. The legislation establishes a new state code section that mandates eligible agencies to seek these agreements, which would enable specially trained local officers to perform specific immigration-related functions like investigating and detaining noncitizens under federal oversight. However, the bill includes exceptions allowing agencies to opt out if they determine such cooperation would hinder their ability to provide other necessary community services, and requires agencies to explain their reasons if they cannot participate or participate fully. The law would take effect on July 1, 2026, and applies to municipal police departments and county sheriff's offices across Idaho.
Idaho's H 584 requires all employers (including government entities) to verify the legal work status of new hires within three days of employment. Starting July 1, 2026, employers must enroll in the federal E-Verify program to confirm authorization, with acceptable proof including Idaho driver's licenses, state ID cards, or other government-issued documents showing lawful presence. The bill prohibits knowingly employing unauthorized workers and authorizes the Idaho Department of Labor to access state agency records (like DMV data) solely to verify work eligibility, while prohibiting state officials from independently determining immigration status.
This Idaho bill (S 1260) revises state laws governing immigration enforcement. It removes outdated provisions about illegal entry, clarifies definitions (like "illegal alien" and "dangerous crime"), and changes penalties: first illegal entry becomes a misdemeanor, repeat offenses a felony. The law requires police to enforce these rules only when someone is detained for unrelated crimes, and adds specific defenses (e.g., having federal permission to stay, asylum status, or DACA approval between 2012-2021). It takes effect July 1, 2026.
Idaho's H 659 requires all local law enforcement agencies (including county sheriffs and municipal police departments) to apply for a federal immigration enforcement program called Section 287(g). This program allows trained local officers to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with immigration enforcement under federal oversight. If an agency cannot join the program, it must publicly state its reasons and efforts to cooperate with ICE. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, after being approved by the Idaho legislature.
This Idaho bill (H 660) requires all state and local law enforcement agencies to verify and record the immigration status and nationality of every person they arrest. It mandates that agencies publish biannual reports starting October 1, 2026, detailing immigration status, crime statistics for foreign nationals arrested in Idaho, and reasons for noncompliance. Agencies failing to comply may lose state funding. The law applies directly to police departments, sheriffs' offices, and the Idaho State Police, effective July 1, 2026. It establishes new reporting requirements without changing immigration law.
