Federal judge blocks Idaho immigration law with preliminary injunction
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A federal judge in Idaho has temporarily blocked a state immigration bill aimed at allowing local police to arrest migrants suspected of crossing into the state illegally if they are involved in another crime.

Federal judge Amanda Brailsford, a President Biden appointee, issued a preliminary injunction against parts of Idaho’s House Bill 83, which criminalizes state entry and reentry and was passed by the legislature in March. It also aims to assist the federal deportation process.

The bill, also known as the Immigration Cooperation and Enforcement Act, mirrors a similar 2023 Texas law which faced pushback by the Biden administration.

Amanda Brailsford, US district judge

District Judge Amanda Brailsford was appointed a United States District Judge for the District of Idaho by President Biden. (Nathan Howard/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Under the law, entering the state unlawfully is classified as a misdemeanor. However, if the person is involved in another crime—such as theft—or is under investigation, the offense could be elevated to a felony and may trigger deportation by federal authorities, according to Idaho News.

The preliminary injunction was welcomed by the ACLU of Idaho.

Idaho House

The Idaho House of Representatives passed the bill.  (AP Photo/Keith Ridler)

“We are pleased the court recognized that enforcement of this law is harmful and unconstitutional,” ACLU of Idaho Staff Attorney Emily Croston said in a statement, per the Idaho Capital Sun. “We are confident this lawsuit will succeed on its merits, and we hope it sends a message to Idaho’s lawmakers that passing anti-immigrant, unconstitutional legislation is not what Idaho needs.”

The outlet reports that the state’s attorney general’s office said it is reviewing the decision to determine next steps. 

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