Idaho House Passes Bill Requiring Police to Sign 287(g) Agreements with ICE

The bill faces opposition from law enforcement groups over costs, but supporters say it's a top issue for Idahoans.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The Idaho House of Representatives has passed a bill that would require all local law enforcement agencies to enter agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through the federal 287(g) program. The bill faced opposition from law enforcement groups who argued the program should be optional due to the costs associated with it, but supporters said immigration enforcement is a top priority for Idahoans.

Why it matters

This bill highlights the ongoing debate over the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement. Supporters argue it's necessary to address illegal immigration, while opponents say it could undermine trust between police and immigrant communities.

The details

The bill, House Bill 659, passed the Idaho House in a 41-27 vote and now heads to the Senate. Bill sponsor Rep. Dale Hawkins, R-Fernwood, said Idahoans want action on immigration. Opponents argued the 287(g) program would be too costly for local agencies, but supporters said ICE would cover training and some costs. The debate touched on issues like housing undocumented inmates and the potential for an 'unfunded mandate' on law enforcement.

  • The Idaho House passed the bill on Friday, March 6, 2026.
  • The bill now heads to the Idaho Senate for consideration.

The players

Rep. Dale Hawkins

The Republican sponsor of House Bill 659, who said immigration enforcement is a top issue for Idahoans.

Rep. Chris Mathias

A Boise Democrat who said the bill would compromise law enforcement's trust in the Legislature.

Rep. Lori McCann

A Republican who called the bill an 'unfunded mandate' and questioned why the Legislature would bind law enforcement to future federal programs.

Secure Idaho

A group that has supported HB 659 and cited polling showing most Americans want more action to stop illegal immigration.

ACLU of Idaho

The organization that commissioned a 2025 poll finding 44% of Treasure Valley and Magic Valley residents favored local law enforcement cooperating with federal immigration authorities.

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What they’re saying

“The people in Idaho want answers, and they want action.”

— Rep. Dale Hawkins, Bill Sponsor (dailyfly.com)

“Because then we would be in a position to be able to address their pain points and incentivize cooperation, rather than forcing it.”

— Rep. Chris Mathias, Boise Democrat (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The bill will now be considered by the Idaho Senate, where it may face additional public hearings.

The takeaway

This bill reflects the ongoing tension between state and local priorities around immigration enforcement. While supporters see it as a necessary step to address illegal immigration, opponents argue it could undermine trust in law enforcement and impose unfunded mandates on local agencies.