Ada County Sheriff Matt Clifford released a statement on March 24 addressing the county’s relationship with federal immigration authorities and the debate over mandatory participation in the federal 287(g) program.
The topic is important because it touches on how local law enforcement agencies work with federal partners like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and whether state governments should require such cooperation or leave it to local discretion.
Clifford said his office has always worked closely with ICE, providing daily arrest lists, allowing agents into the jail for interviews, and honoring lawful requests to hold individuals for deportation. “To set the record straight, the idea that the Ada County Sheriff does not cooperate with ICE or is somehow opposed to immigration enforcement is simply not true,” Clifford said. He added that these actions are already core components of what people associate with participation in programs like 287(g).
He also addressed criticism of sheriffs who have declined to enter into formal agreements under section 287(g), saying: “The notion that Sheriffs and Chiefs who have stood up against being forced into 287(g) agreements are not interested in fighting illegal immigration is misleading, disingenuous, and flat out false.”
Clifford expressed concern about legislative efforts that would require Idaho sheriffs to participate in voluntary federal programs such as 287(g). He questioned why state lawmakers would mandate involvement in one type of federal law enforcement while opposing mandates for others. “I find it difficult to come to grips with the idea that our Republican, conservative state would seek to force Idaho Sheriffs into participating in a voluntary federal program—one that binds us not just today, but into the future under any administration,” he said.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment both to public safety and local control: “But partnership should remain a choice—not a mandate.”
