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  1. United States
  2. Idaho
  3. Letter

Local enforcement overreach risks rights, funds, trust

To: Sen. Ruchti, Gov. Little

From: A verified voter in Pocatello, ID

February 11

Based on the information provided in the context, local law enforcement should not engage in immigration enforcement. The proposed bill would allow law enforcement to detain individuals suspected of being in Idaho without proper authorization after being detained or investigated for a separate crime. This oversteps the jurisdiction of local law enforcement and undermines federal immigration law and the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The bill raises serious constitutional concerns, as highlighted by Rep. Todd Achilles' statement that there is ample precedent that immigration enforcement is a federal matter. Enabling state authorities to enforce immigration laws could lead to racial profiling and undermine community trust in law enforcement. Moreover, the fiscal costs associated with transporting and detaining unauthorized immigrants would burden state resources. While the bill's supporters argue it enables cooperation with federal agencies, immigration is a complex issue that requires comprehensive reform at the federal level. Local law enforcement should prioritize building trust within communities and focus on public safety matters rather than expanding into immigration enforcement activities that are the responsibility of federal authorities. The proposed bill risks legal challenges, potential civil rights violations, and the misallocation of limited state resources. A more prudent approach would be to advocate for federal immigration policy changes through proper legislative channels.

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