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Nampa residents press council over ICE activity; police say they assist federal requests when warranted
Summary
Three residents told the council ICE activity and police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement have caused fear in immigrant communities. Nampa PD Captain Eric Skovland said officers do not proactively seek undocumented immigrants but will assist federal partners when requests fall within police duties, including when arrest warrants exist.
During public forum, three resident speakers raised repeated concerns about immigration enforcement and community safety. Kimra Luna described neighborhood ICE detentions near a school bus stop and said her child was frightened; she asked the council to set clear local boundaries and publicly reassure immigrant residents. Crystal Flipins spoke on behalf of an Indigenous family and called recent actions "traumatizing," saying cooperation between police and ICE erodes trust and makes residents reluctant to seek emergency help.
Mayor invited Nampa Police Captain Eric Skovland to summarize departmental policy. Skovland said the department treats ICE like any other federal partner: officers provide assistance when it falls within the purview of local policing and when a warrant or criminal basis for arrest exists. He emphasized the department does not engage in proactive searches for immigration status; when Nampa PD executes arrests or assists federal partners, it is because of criminal conduct or outstanding warrants. The mayor and council acknowledged the community’s fear and said they want to protect public safety while enforcing criminal law; they urged continued dialogue with the Idaho Hispanic Chamber and noted outreach meetings had been held.
The exchange illustrates a persistent local policy tension: community members urged the city to publicly distance local policing from immigration enforcement and affirm trust with immigrant residents. City leaders reiterated that the city will enforce local and state law while seeking broader federal immigration reform at higher levels of government.
No formal policy change was made; council directed staff and police leadership to continue community outreach and to provide clarity on procedures and neighbor concerns.
