State police troopers deploy to Texas to boost border security efforts

Boise, Idaho - Two teams of Idaho State Police (ISP) troopers headed out today on a three-week deployment to help the State of Texas secure the U.S.-Mexico border.

The send-off for ISP took place this morning in front of the Idaho Capitol after Governor Brad Little took the troopers to breakfast at locally owned Moon’s Café in Boise.

Governor Little announced the three-week mission during his State of the State and Budget Address in January, saying the focus of the next mission is on human trafficking.

“The cartel and other bad actors are taking advantage of our open border to manipulate and abuse the most vulnerable, including children,” Governor Little said in his State of the State speech. “To help curb human trafficking, my IDAHO WORKS plan calls for sending two more teams of Idaho State Police troopers to train and act as a force multiplier at our lawless southern border, as we did with fentanyl twice before.”

About the April border mission:

In an innovative effort to combat human trafficking, ISP troopers will team up with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for a strategic 21-day mission focused on disrupting human trafficking activities along the Texas-Mexico border.

The collaboration aims to deepen troopers' understanding of trafficking operations through joint patrols, representing a significant interstate effort.

The mission will aid law enforcement efforts and enrich education and training programs for law enforcement in Idaho. Insights from the mission will be integrated into the Domestic Highway Enforcement (DHE) courses for Idaho law enforcement, leveraging firsthand experience to bolster the fight against human trafficking. This partnership highlights a proactive, shared commitment to public safety and eradicating trafficking networks.

The State of Idaho’s partnership with Texas DPS has two-fold benefits. The troopers serve as a force multiplier, amplifying efforts in combating human trafficking for the State of Texas. Additionally, the mission provides valuable training opportunities for ISP troopers who will return to Idaho and leverage their expertise and resources to train other law enforcement agencies and help safeguard communities against drug and human traffickers.

"Sending our Idaho State troopers to the Texas border for real-world training on human trafficking is a crucial measure in our fight against this heinous crime. Our troopers will gain invaluable insights and firsthand experience, which they will use to protect our communities more effectively. We are determined to utilize this training to enhance our efforts in Idaho and to combat human trafficking with utmost efficiency, thereby ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens,” ISP Colonel Kedrick Wills said. “It's vital for our troopers to face repeated real-world scenarios to sharpen their skills. Each encounter is a chance to refine techniques, deepen understanding, and fortify resolve against human trafficking. Continuous practice cultivates proficiency and unwavering commitment to community safety. Complacency is not an option. Intense and dedicated training ensures we're prepared to tackle any challenge."