Sanctuary Cities Resolution

Urging the Cities of Hailey, Bellevue, and Ketchum to Rescind Sanctuary City Resolutions
Urging the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office to Cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

WHEREAS, the cities of Hailey, Bellevue, and Ketchum adopted sanctuary city resolutions—Hailey’s Resolution 2021-12 on February 8, 2021, followed by similar measures in Ketchum and Bellevue later that year—limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement; and

WHEREAS, Idaho Statute §19-6102, effective July 1, 2023, explicitly prohibits governmental entities in the State of Idaho from adopting or enforcing policies that discourage compliance with federal immigration laws, rendering the sanctuary city resolutions of Hailey, Bellevue, and Ketchum unlawful; and

WHEREAS, proponents of these sanctuary policies claim they improve public safety by encouraging noncitizens to report crimes without fear, yet Blaine County Sheriff’s Office records demonstrate a nearly fourfold increase in ICE holds on undocumented individuals—from five in 2021 to 18 in 2022—indicating a surge in criminal activity by undocumented individuals rather than enhanced crime reporting; and

WHEREAS, proof of criminal activity by undocumented individuals is evidenced by ICE Salt Lake City Twin Falls Sub-Office arresting Edu Mayorca-Curi, 31, of Peru living in Ketchum. He was charged with driving under the influence; and

WHEREAS, proof of criminal activity by undocumented individuals is evidenced by ICE Salt Lake City Twin Falls Sub-Office arresting Jordy Lerma-Quintero, 27, of Mexico in Hailey. He was charged with grand theft, possession of marijuana and intoxication; and

WHEREAS, proof of criminal activity by undocumented individuals is evidenced by ICE Salt Lake City Twin Falls Sub-Office arresting Jorge Duenas-Quinto, 31, of Peru in Hailey. He was charged with child enticement (under 16), sexual battery, and driving under the influence; and

WHEREAS, no empirical data supports the assertion that sanctuary policies have increased crime reporting rates by noncitizens, while the rise in criminal activity undermines the argument that these policies enhance community safety; and

WHEREAS, the failure of city officials to address crimes committed by undocumented individuals, coupled with their refusal to align with state law, erodes public trust, fosters a climate of impunity, and risks the well-being of all Blaine County residents; and

WHEREAS, rescinding these resolutions would ensure compliance with Idaho and federal law, and allow cities to pursue alternative, lawful policies that welcome immigrants while prioritizing public safety and transparency.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Blaine County Republican Central Committee urgently calls upon the City Councils of Hailey, Bellevue, and Ketchum to rescind their sanctuary city resolutions immediately, thereby restoring legal compliance with Idaho Statute §19-6102 and protecting the safety of their communities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Blaine County Republican Central Committee urges these city councils to provide transparency to their constituents by publicly disclosing data on pre- and post-resolution crime rates, crime reporting trends, immigrant mental health, and unemployment, ensuring residents can assess the true impact of these policies; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Mayors and City Councils of Hailey, Bellevue, and Ketchum, as well as to the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office, with a call for elected officials to publicly denounce criminality by undocumented individuals and engage in constructive dialogue to address these pressing concerns.

Approved May 14, 2025