Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed an executive order on immigration. But what does it do?

BOISE (Idaho Statesman) — Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed an executive order earlier this month to “reinforce Trump’s immigration policies,” according to a news release. But the order doesn’t actually change much.

The document directs the Idaho State Police, Idaho Department of Correction and Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole to continue cooperating, communicating and collaborating with federal agencies and local law enforcement. It also encourages state agencies to enter into formal agreements with immigration enforcement.

“With the return of strong partners at the federal level, this executive order was necessary to reinforce Idaho’s commitment to fulfilling President Trump’s immigration policies,” Joan Varsek, Little’s spokesperson, said in an email to the Idaho Statesman.

Since taking office in January, President Trump has issued a variety of immigration initiatives, including to send migrants to Guantanamo Bay, attempt to end birthright citizenship and end temporary protected status for people from countries like Venezuela.

The moves, some of which have drawn legal challenges, have prompted fear among immigrant communities in Idaho.

However, neither of the jails in Canyon County nor Ada County has seen an increase in the number of immigration holds requested by ICE, according to spokespersons Joe Decker and Lauren Montague, respectively.

But regardless, the governor’s order won’t shake things up, according to the agencies named in the document.

“In short, the order does not change anything for IDOC,” Sanda Kuzeta-Cerimagic, spokesperson for the state prison system, said in an email to the Statesman. “IDOC already has established processes and will continue to collaborate with law enforcement and the Commission for Pardons and Parole on matters relating to the immigration status of people incarcerated in Idaho’s prisons.”

“Gov. Little’s executive order does not change how ISP operates or create new actions for the agency,” spokesperson Aaron Snell said in an email.

“The executive order reinforces the existing obligation the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole has to ensure that individuals are paroled to the appropriate jurisdiction based on legal status and active detainer information,” said Christine Starr, executive director of the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole.

Nampa and Meridian police also confirmed the order would not change anything for their departments.

An executive order doesn’t necessarily need to do anything on policy to make a difference. For example, many governors right now are trying to show either their support or disagreement with the Trump administration, said Jaclyn Kettler, a political scientist at Boise State University.

Plus, there are limits on what a state can constitutionally do on issues related to immigration, Kettler said. “It could also be reaffirming commitment,” Kettler told the Statesman.

“Some of it could be kind of a symbolic nature but it could also be a helpful way to try and communicate what’s happening at the state (level).”

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