Idaho governor supports Trump's deportation agenda through new agreement

In early June 2025, Idaho Governor Brad Little unveiled a collaboration with federal immigration officials, particularly Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), aimed at endorsing President Donald Trump's aggressive stance on immigration enforcement. This agreement falls under the 287(g) authority of the Immigration and Nationality Act, allowing local law enforcement to act as agents in the deportation of undocumented immigrants, particularly those with criminal backgrounds. Governor Little stated that the partnership is crucial for increasing public safety by targeting undocumented individuals who have committed crimes, thereby preventing their release back into local communities. This surge in cooperation between local policing agencies and ICE is emblematic of a broader national trend emphasized during the Trump administration, aimed at enhancing local authority in immigration enforcement. Previously, under former President Obama, the 287(g) program had significantly fewer local agencies participating. The new agreement represents a shift in policy and reinforces previous patterns observed across several states where rising numbers of arrests have been reported. In the recent uptick in similar agreements, ICE has partnered with several local authorities across the country, resulting in the arrest of over 1,300 individuals, predominantly in states like Florida and Tennessee. Advocates for immigrant rights express significant concern about the implications of these partnerships on community trust and civil rights. As more sheriff's offices join the 287(g) program, fears arise around increased racial profiling and the chilling effect these agreements may have on immigrant communities, who might hesitate to report crimes or seek help from law enforcement. Critics argue that this focus on immigrants charged with minor offenses detracts from addressing violent crime, and they fear that the expanded authority of police to enforce immigration laws will lead to discriminatory practices. In light of these developments, both advocates and local law enforcement continue to grapple with the implications of increased immigration enforcement on community relations. The announcement by Governor Little reflects a broader strategy among Republican leadership in various states to align with federal immigration policies that prioritize strict enforcement against undocumented immigrants, which is perceived by some as a necessary step to maintain public safety while viewed by others as a threat to the rights and safety of immigrant populations. This ongoing tension between enforcement and community trust will likely shape future discussions on immigration policy and local law enforcement's role in it.