In a troubling new collaboration between Idaho State Police (ISP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), more than 50 Idaho residents have been transported to ICE detention facilities under Gov. Brad Little’s initiative, “Operation No Return.”
The governor’s office claims the effort targets “dangerous illegal alien criminals,” but a review by the Idaho Capital Sun paints a very different picture. Many of those transported were not convicted of any crime, some had charges dismissed, and others were sent out of state before their cases were even resolved. In several instances, court records couldn’t verify any charges at all.
Despite promises that only the “most dangerous” offenders would be targeted, records show individuals facing misdemeanor DUI charges, petit theft, and even dismissed cases were swept up in the operation. At least six of those transported still have pending cases in Idaho courts.
Even more concerning, Idaho opted for a “task force model” with ICE — a structure that allows officers to question people about their immigration status and make warrantless arrests based on suspicion alone. That model opens the door to racial profiling, due process violations, and unconstitutional detentions, all under the guise of “public safety.”
This partnership has also costed Idaho taxpayers over $12,000 so far, with authorization for up to $300,000 in state funds to assist ICE. For many, this raises the question — why are Idaho resources being used to help a federal agency that has a long record of civil rights abuses and wrongful detentions?
As criminal defense attorneys, we see firsthand how fragile the presumption of innocence can be. “Operation No Return” isn’t about justice, it’s about politics.
In Idaho, the right to a fair trial and the protection from unlawful detention should apply to everyone, regardless of immigration status.