Immigration (Sanctuary Policies)

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 764 establishes new state law prohibiting organizations (and their officers or agents) from concealing, harboring, or shielding undocumented immigrants within Idaho. It specifically bans actions like providing shelter, financial support, transportation, or legal assistance to immigrants who entered or remain in the U.S. unlawfully, if the organization knows or recklessly disregards this fact. Violations carry penalties including misdemeanor or felony charges (depending on the number of immigrants involved), fines up to $3,000 per offense per immigrant, and potential revocation of business licenses. Exceptions cover law enforcement, medical personnel providing emergency care, and state courts performing official duties.

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 It removes outdated provisions about illegal entry, clarifies definitions (like "illegal alien" and "dangerous crime"), and changes penalties: first illegal entry becomes a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.

This Idaho bill (H 693) creates new criminal penalties for organizations that knowingly help undocumented immigrants avoid detection or provide them shelter, financial support, or transportation. It prohibits businesses, nonprofits, or their leaders from concealing, harboring, or facilitating the illegal presence of undocumented immigrants they know are in the U.S. unlawfully. Violations could result in misdemeanor or felony charges (with felony status for aiding five or more immigrants), plus business license revocation for repeat offenses, while exempting law enforcement and emergency responders acting in their official capacity.