Idaho county probation officers compile ‘foreign-born list’ to hand over to ICE as critics raise alarms

Canyon County, Idaho probation officers have been compiling a list of foreign-born individuals for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without independently verifying if they are in the U.S. illegally. This practice, which includes sharing probation check-in schedules, has drawn criticism from immigration attorneys who fear it could lead to the detention of legal residents or citizens. The county maintains that verifying legal status is the federal government’s responsibility.

• Canyon County, Idaho probation officers compiled a list of foreign-born individuals for ICE without verifying their immigration status.
• Communications show probation officers coordinated with ICE, including sharing check-in times and locations.
• Immigration attorneys express concern that the list could lead to the detention of U.S. citizens or legal residents.
• The county probation department states that verifying legal status is the responsibility of federal authorities.
• Past actions by Canyon County law enforcement, including notifying ICE of foreign-born inmates, have led to lawsuits and settlements.
• A significant number of individuals on the list were on probation for offenses like DUI, drug crimes, and disturbing the peace.
• Probation officers sometimes provided ICE with personal information such as home addresses and vehicle details of probationers.