Jefferson County Detention Center — ISP transport destination for ICE deportation pipeline, Rigby ID
Overview
The Jefferson County Detention Center in Rigby, Idaho is a 144-bed county jail that serves as a key destination in Idaho’s state-funded deportation transport pipeline. Under the June 2025 agreement between Idaho State Police and ICE, convicted inmates from jails across Idaho are transported to this facility for ICE processing and deportation. The state authorized $300,000 in emergency funds for up to 100 transports.
Key Details
- Capacity: 144 beds (total jail capacity)
- Location: Rigby, Jefferson County (FIPS 16051)
- Role: Designated ICE processing point for ISP 287(g) transport program
- Funding: $300,000 from Governor’s emergency funds (approved June 2025)
- Transport authorization: Up to 100 transports over 12 months, each including multiple detainees
- By October 2025: ISP had already transported 40+ people to ICE facilities for deportation
State-Funded Transport Pipeline
Governor Brad Little’s Executive Order 2025-03 (Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Act) authorized ISP to enter the 287(g) Task Force Model agreement. The transport program was initially described as targeting “the most violent and dangerous illegal aliens who have been convicted and have completed their sentences,” but InvestigateWest reporting showed ISP transported people with a range of backgrounds, not exclusively violent offenders.
The transport pipeline works as follows:
- ICE agents email ISP with “names, mugshots, and a brief summary of the immigration and criminal history”
- ISP picks up individuals from county jails and state prisons statewide
- Transports them to the Jefferson County facility (or directly to other ICE facilities)
- ICE processes for deportation
Sources
- Idaho State Police partners with ICE — Idaho Capital Sun (Jun 2025)
- State of Idaho approves $300,000 for transports — Idaho Capital Sun (Jun 2025)
- State of Idaho to assist ICE — Governor’s Office (Jun 2025)
- Idaho State Police sent 50+ to facilities — Idaho Capital Sun (Oct 2025)
- Idaho immigrants detained far from home — InvestigateWest