Idaho Senate blocks bill requiring local police to work with ICE

Legislation would have mandated cooperation agreements between law enforcement and federal immigration authorities

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:05am

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A serene, realistic painting of an empty police station lobby with warm lighting and deep shadows, conveying a sense of political tension and uncertainty around the relationship between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.The Idaho Senate's decision not to advance a bill requiring local police cooperation with ICE reflects the ongoing political debate over the role of community law enforcement in federal immigration policy.Boise Today

The Idaho Senate has halted the advancement of a bill that would have required law enforcement agencies to apply for cooperative agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The bill, originally the Idaho e-verify act, was amended in the House to effectively swap a pending ICE cooperation bill with the stalled e-verify legislation. By unanimous consent, the Senate opted to not advance the reworked bill.

Why it matters

This decision by the Idaho Senate highlights the ongoing debate over the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement. Proponents argue these agreements help combat illegal immigration, while critics say they undermine community trust and civil liberties. The failure of this bill reflects the political challenges in passing legislation that would compel local cooperation with ICE.

The details

Senate Bill 1247 was originally the Idaho e-verify act to require all public agencies to implement the federal e-verify program. The House amendment retooled the bill entirely to effectively swap a pending ICE cooperation bill with the stalled e-verify legislation. Under the amended Senate bill, city and county law enforcement would be required to apply for cooperation agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as section 287(g) memorandums of agreement, which allow local officers to be trained and deputized to enforce limited federal immigration law.

  • The bill passed out of the Idaho House on Thursday.
  • On Monday, the Idaho Senate opted to not advance the reworked bill.

The players

Sen. Mark Harris

A Republican senator from Soda Springs, Idaho who motioned to not concur with the House's amendments to the legislation.

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The takeaway

This decision by the Idaho Senate highlights the ongoing political tensions over the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement. While proponents argue these agreements help combat illegal immigration, critics say they undermine community trust and civil liberties. The failure of this bill reflects the challenges in passing legislation that would compel local cooperation with ICE.