MERIDIAN, Idaho — Tensions are running high among Latino neighbors in the Treasure Valley this week after federal law enforcement officials, including ICE, took two confirmed individuals into custody in Canyon and Ada Counties.
The latest arrest circulating widely online saw Meridian Police officers assisting Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) on Friday morning in their pursuit of a previously deported man whom authorities claim had a criminal history.
The 39-year-old suspect was ultimately taken into HSI custody near the intersection of Franklin and Linder Roads. People on the scene sent photos of the incident to Idaho News 6.
ICE activity ramps up across the Treasure Valley
Advertisement
Latest ICE activity in the Treasure Valley
The Meridian Police Department told Idaho News 6 that federal officers initiated the pursuit because they knew the driver was a person with a prior criminal history who had previously been deported and was subject to a reinstated order of removal.
Authorities say that when they stopped the man, they found two fraudulent immigration documents and a fake Social Security card.
Advertisement
RELATED | Idaho GOP lawmaker responds to Eagle Saloon’s immigration promotion
This was not the first immigration related arrest this week.
As Idaho News 6 previously reported, Nampa business owner Tim Cook witnessed and recorded an immigration arrest on early Wednesday morning at the intersection of Canyon and Roosevelt in Nampa.
In Cook’s words. “I mean, it was almost like a kidnapping. It was gone in 90 seconds.” Those officers were seen wearing vests that said “ICE.”
Patrona
Advertisement
Officers take the suspect into custody near the intersection of Franklin and Linder roads.
After extensive online chatter about an arrest Thursday night in Caldwell’s Farmway Village, Idaho News 6 has since confirmed that the incident was not ICE-related and instead, a woman was taken into custody for a warrant issued by Payette County.
Mike Dittinber, Executive Director of the Caldwell Housing Authority, said that many members of the Latino community are worried about future ICE operations. He added that it’s important not to be misled by false information.
“We appreciate the diversity in our community, and when that diversity comes into question, or when that diversity is somewhat subject to scrutiny— it should make everybody uncomfortable,” said Dittinber
RELATED | ‘We’ll be all over that place:’ Noem says DHS and ICE will have heavy presence at Super Bowl
As for local law enforcement’s involvement, Caldwell Police Chief Rex Ingram issued a statement on Friday saying that CPD does not enforce federal immigration laws. However, Chief Ingram did concede that in the unlikely event ICE needs immediate assistance, CPD officers will step in.
Advertisement
Estefania Mondragon, the Executive Director of PODER of Idaho, a local advocacy group, says many incidents involve people driving to work. They suggest that families prepare for potential encounters with immigration enforcement.
“Memorize phone numbers and have a family plan ready in case the worst is to happen,” said Mondragon. PODER of Idaho advises targeted individuals not to sign any documentation until a lawyer is present.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
5 Star Draw: 8 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Idaho Cash: 8 p.m. MT daily.
Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.
The rotunda as seen on March 16, 2026, at the Idaho State Capitol Building in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)
Ahead of the 2026 primary elections, the League of Women Voters of Idaho is teaming up with several local groups to hold candidate forums and voter education events in the hopes of boosting voter turnout.
The groups invited all candidates for public office in Ada and Canyon County’s commissions, and inlegislative district 11, which is in Canyon County.
Advertisement
The groups that are hosting include Mormon Women for Ethical Government, the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce, the American Association of University Women’s Boise branch and the College of Idaho’s Masters of Applied Public Policy Program.
Here’s when and where the forums are:
Ada County Commissioner District 2:7-8:30 p.m. April 24 at Meridian City Hall, located at 33 E. Broadway Ave. in Meridian.
Ada County Commissioner District 1:7-8:30 p.m. April 28 at Valley View Elementary School, located at 3555 N Milwaukee St. in Boise.
Legislative District 11:6:30-8:30 p.m. April 30 at Caldwell City Hall, located at 205 S. 6th Ave. in Caldwell.
Canyon County Commissioner:6-8 p.m. May 7 at Caldwell City Hall, 205 S. 6th Ave. in Caldwell.
Learn more about candidates at the League of Women Voters’ online voter guide,VOTE411.ORG.
SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
BOISE (Idaho Statesman) — Idaho drivers wanting to celebrate America’s anniversary this year now have a unique way to do that. The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles has released an America 250 license plate to mark the occasion.
The new license plate includes an American flag on a blue background with the words “America 250” and the dates “1776 – 2026.”
The plate requires an extra fee that will go toward supporting the Idaho Heritage Trust, according to an Idaho Transportation Department news release. The specific fee wasn’t listed.
“This plate gives Idahoans a chance to mark a historic milestone and show their pride on the road,” said Lisa McClellan, DMV administrator, in a statement. “We’re proud to offer a design that honors our country’s past while supporting Idaho’s efforts to preserve its own history.”
Advertisement
The America 250 license plate was released to celebrate a historic national milestone. | Idaho Transportation Department
Idaho’s favorite license plate
The new license plate may give Idaho’s favorite a run for its money.
The Idaho Transportation Department recently held a “Battle of the Plates” vote to find out which license plate Idahoans loved best.
The Forests Forever plate was crowned the champion on April 7. Funds generated from this plate go toward Idaho replanting and reforestation projects, as well as environmental education programs for Idaho students and teachers.
“One of Idaho’s newest plates, Forests Forever made a strong run and came out on top, highlighting just how much Idahoans value our forests and natural resources,” the transportation department said in a social media post.
Idahoans chose Forests Forever as their favorite specialty license plate. | Idaho Transportation Department
=htmlentities(get_the_title())?>%0D%0A%0D%0A=get_permalink()?>%0D%0A%0D%0A=htmlentities(‘For more stories like this one, be sure to visit https://www.eastidahonews.com/ for all of the latest news, community events and more.’)?>&subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20EastIdahoNews” class=”fa-stack jDialog”>
