Idaho continues to strengthen partnership with ICE to enforce nation’s immigration laws

BOISE, Idaho - Governor Brad Little and Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) Director Bree Derrick announced today Idaho has entered into a 287(g) Warrant Service Officer agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), further expanding Idaho's commitment to partnering with the federal government to enforce our nation's immigration laws.

The agreement, signed August 28, formalizes a process IDOC has already been using to assist ICE with individuals incarcerated in Idaho prisons who are subject to federal immigration enforcement actions.

Under the agreement, designated IDOC officials are authorized to serve existing ICE administrative warrants on individuals incarcerated in an Idaho prison. IDOC will continue coordinating with ICE when an individual's Idaho sentence is complete and facilitating the transfer of individuals into ICE custody when appropriate.

"Idaho has a responsibility to uphold the rule of law and protect the people of our state. This agreement gives Idaho another tool to make sure criminal aliens who are subject to federal immigration enforcement are transferred to federal custody when they have completed their Idaho sentences. Idaho will continue working with the Trump administration to secure our communities and support the enforcement of our nation's laws," Governor Little said.

The new agreement builds on Idaho's growing cooperation with ICE through Operation No Return, Governor Little's initiative to strengthen coordination between Idaho law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

In 2025, Idaho became one of the first states to enter into a 287(g) agreement under Governor Little's Operation No Return, allowing designated Idaho State Police (ISP) personnel to assist ICE by transporting dangerous illegal alien criminals from Idaho communities upon completion of their sentences for crimes committed in Idaho and the United States. The partnership has helped facilitate the removal of dozens of criminal aliens from Idaho neighborhoods and strengthened coordination between state and federal authorities.

The 287(g) program allows ICE to enter into agreements with state and local law enforcement agencies to perform certain immigration enforcement functions under federal oversight.

IDOC has historically provided ICE with information on individuals incarcerated for felony convictions, allowing ICE to identify individuals who may be subject to immigration detainers. IDOC also facilitates due process hearings for individuals undergoing deportation proceedings and coordinates with ICE when Idaho sentences are satisfied.

The new Warrant Service Officer agreement formalizes those longstanding practices and expands the ability of trained IDOC personnel to assist ICE while individuals remain in Idaho custody.

"IDOC has a longstanding responsibility to coordinate with our federal partners when individuals in our custody are subject to federal immigration enforcement. This agreement strengthens that coordination and gives our department a clear, formal process for serving ICE warrants and transferring individuals into federal custody when their Idaho sentences are complete," IDOC Director Bree Derrick said.