Illegal Alien Sanctuaries in Idaho? Say it ain't so. By Brian Almon (08/22/24)
On 8/21/24, the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) updated its map of jurisdictions that limit or oppose cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Three Idaho counties — Bonneville, Kootenai, and Power — appeared on the map.
Sen. Brian Lenney (R-Nampa) and former Idaho Solicitor General Theo Wold tweeted the news asking why local authorities in the three counties were undermining federal and state law.
Brian Almon investigated further and provided a detailed analysis of the situation. In short, Almon found:
Kootenai County has an agreement with ICE to hold illegal aliens from eastern Washington who are already in the system. These illegal aliens are likely released with a notice to appear that could be years down the line.
Bonneville and Power County Jails give ICE notification prior to releasing suspected criminal aliens, but do not hold them long enough for agents to take them into custody.
Idaho legislature passed Senate Bill 1030 in 2023 (legislature.idaho.gov/s…), which prohibits government entities from refusing to enforce federal immigration law. The bill was meant to prevent Idaho jurisdictions from becoming so-called “sanctuary cities” and protecting illegal aliens from deportation.
Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris's office denied the accusation that Kootenai County is a “sanctuary county.” (Note: A contentious Sheriff’s race is occurring in this county.)
A Bonneville County source indicates that neither the sheriff nor the commissioners are aware of why they were listed on the ICE report.
Almon’s in-depth report provides additional information you should read. He will continue to investigate.
See also: Idaho’s Illegal Immigration, Open Borders, Related Crimes & Security. What Can WE Do?
