Idaho prisons system signs ICE agreement + Democrat David Roth drops US Senate bid + Idaho Supreme Court to weigh abortion ballot initiative language

By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief

“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.” — Idaho Gov. Brad Little

Idaho's state prison system formally entered into an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It's the second state agency to enter the 287(g) program. (Photo by Mia Maldonado/Idaho Capital Sun)

IMMIGRATION

Idaho Department of Correction signs federal 287(g) immigration agreement

By Laura Guido Name

Idaho’s state prison system has entered into a formal agreement with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. It’s the second state agency to join the federal immigration program.

From left, incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, Democrat David Roth, and independent Todd Achilles.

ELECTION 2026

Idaho US Senate candidate David Roth removes name from general election ballot

By Laura Guido

Idaho Democrat David Roth, who had been running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Idaho Republican Jim Risch, officially withdrew his name from the ballot just days before the deadline.

Roth submitted his withdrawal form on Aug. 28, citing a “lack of support from Democratic Party,” according to the form obtained by the Idaho Capital Sun in a public records request.

The exterior of the Idaho Supreme Court building in Boise as seen on Jan. 14, 2026. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

ABORTION POLICY

Idaho Supreme Court to weigh if ballot language on abortion rights initiative could mislead voters

By Laura Guido

As the deadline to print ballots looms, the Idaho Supreme Court will decide whether state officials’ descriptions of the effects of voting for or against a proposed abortion rights initiative will appear on ballots in November.

MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US

Why the rushed Postal Service plan for mail-in voting has states in a panic | Jacob Fischler
Immigration activity is taking a toll on children’s health, doctors say | Nada Hassanein

ICYMI

Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting

Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall

Boise State Public Radio: New spider species discovered in Idaho
East Idaho News: Bannock County to work on template to regulate building of AI centers; local cities, other counties may use it too
Idaho Statesman: Voters in this Idaho city will decide the fate of Flock cameras
Idaho EdNews: Andy Hawes wins Boise school board election
Post Register: Panelists warn HJR 4 could end citizen-led drug policy initiatives in Idaho

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