Idaho House advances controversial immigration enforcement bill

Idaho's House of Representatives has advanced House Bill 83, which allows law enforcement to enforce immigration laws under specific conditions. The bill, passed along party lines with a vote of 61-9, stipulates that officers may only inquire about a person's documentation status if they are already detained or investigated for another crime. First-time offenders will face a misdemeanor charge, while second offenses will escalate to felonies, leading to potential deportation. Proponents, including bill sponsors Rep. Bruce Skaug and Rep. Jaron Crane, argue it targets criminals, not the general immigrant population. However, critics like Rep. Todd Achilles express concerns about the bill's constitutionality and its potential to harm Idaho's economy, likening it to a controversial Texas law currently stalled in the courts. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.