ACLU of Idaho

How a Bill Becomes a Law in the Idaho Legislature - ACLU of Idaho We break down the process of how a bill becomes a law in the Idaho legislature and opportunities for Idahoans to voice their opinion.

Idaho's legislative session is well into its second week, with multiple bills already introduced. Make sure you're informed and ready to engage with lawmakers by using a refresher on the state's lawmaking process: www.acluidaho.org/how-a-bill-b...

ICE detains five-year-old Minnesota boy as he came home, say school officials Superintendent says Liam Ramos and his father were taken into custody while in their driveway and sent to Texas

ICE detained a 5-year-old Minnesota boy coming home from school + took him and his dad to Texas, school officials say. The family has an active asylum case + entered the US at a port of entry.

"They’re taking children. They're not violent criminals. They're little kids," the superintendent told me.

Trump’s Threat to Invoke the Insurrection Act, Explained | ACLU President Donald Trump is threatening to invoke the act, which is a rarely used power that Congress intended only for extreme emergencies. We break down what this means for our civil liberties.

The public expects federal troops to be used at home only in genuine emergencies – not to intimidate, injure, or kill the American people. People shouldn't live in fear of government retaliation.

Here's what you should know about Trump's threat to invoke the Insurrection Act: buff.ly/EGAneVJ

Once out of jail, King, along with his lieutenants, came up with a plan to use children as protesters, including some as young as 6. This was dangerous—at least as dangerous as following an ICE officer in your car. Just how risky it was became clear when Connor responded by having his police turn high-pressure water hoses and then dogs on the young marchers. The water stripped the shirts off the children’s backs, forcing them to fall down and roll on the ground. They held on to telephone poles and chanted “Freedom” over and over. The dogs barked and lunged at them. Three people had to be hospitalized.

Read this full article from The Atlantic on Martin Luther King and the Minnesota protests: buff.ly/O6lL5FE

"Text headline about Minnesota paralleling a historical moment, with a photo of protesters being sprayed with water near a brick building." Transcribed Text: "Minnesota Had Its Birmingham Moment In 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. outlined a strategy to expose official brutality. Anti-ICE protesters are following it—and it’s working. By Gal Beckerman"

The Rev. Dr. MLK Jr. was a promoter of peace, but that doesn't mean he didn't take risks. He went to jail as a result of anti-protest laws enacted specifically to try and stop the movement. History has shown that any attacks on the right to protest have only one reason: to quell dissent.

Black and white image of Martin Luther King Jr with a quote of his on top of it. The quote reads "We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.”"

Martin Luther King, Jr. dedicated his life to advocating tirelessly for the justice and equality of Black Americans and resisting elected leaders’ deliberate abuse and neglect of our communities. He was relentlessly targeted by our government for his views and pursuit of equality.

New survey shows Idahoans’ sentiments toward immigrants shifted favorably in the past year The ACLU of Idaho concluded a yearlong study on Idaho’s understanding and sentiments about immigrants and immigration policy.

View the full report: www.acluidaho.org/press-releas...

Purple background with large yellow statistic and white text underneath. Transcribed Text: "64% of Idahoans believe deportation should apply only to people who have committed serious crimes. according to a 2025 survey collected from Idahoans across the political spectrum ACLU Idaho SOMOS"

56% of Idahoans say immigrants make the U.S. better in the long run. according to a 2025 survey collected from Idahoans across the political spectrum ACLU Idaho SOMOS

81% of Idahoans support creating pathways to legal status for immigrants who meet work and residency requirements. according to a 2025 survey collected from Idahoans across the political spectrum ACLU Idaho SOMOS

76% of Idahoans support creating pathways to legal permanent status for DACA recipients. according to a 2025 survey collected from Idahoans across the political spectrum. ACLU Idaho SOMOS

The data is clear: Idahoans' views of immigrants sharply contrast with the anti-immigrant actions and rhetoric being pushed by Idaho's elected officials.

New survey shows Idahoans’ sentiments toward immigrants shifted favorably in the past year The ACLU of Idaho concluded a yearlong study on Idaho’s understanding and sentiments about immigrants and immigration policy.

Empirical data shows Idaho is becoming more and more sympathetic to immigrants as hostility from policymakers ramps up. The findings challenge the narrative often pushed by policymakers that Idaho supports more anti-immigrant policies.

A graphic with bold white text on a black background that reads “ICE DOESN’T MAKE OUR COMMUNITIES SAFE.” Below the text are three overlapping photos: one shows a person covering their face in distress, another shows armed ICE officers in riot gear, and the third shows a protest sign that reads “ICE IS BREAKING THE LAW.”

ICE is endangering our communities.

Tell Congress to demand an end to these reckless immigration raids, and oppose any bill that would add to ICE's already massive budget: buff.ly/JhIwIb9

Abortion stays legal in Wyoming as its top court strikes down laws, including first US pill ban Abortion will remain legal in Wyoming after the state Supreme Court struck down two laws that include the nation’s first explicit ban on abortion pills.

Wyoming, a fellow deeply conservative state, has ruled that a person's ability to make their own medical decisions is an individual right worth protecting.

This freedom is a fundamental principle on which our country was founded.

BREAKING: The Wyoming Supreme Court permanently blocked abortion bans in the state.

Abortion will remain legal in Wyoming.

Yellow text over a purple-toned image of a crowd and a columned building. Transcribed Text: "Seeing the trans flag proudly waving on the capitol steps from the huge crowds of the Idaho 50501 rallies." - Member of Operations Department

A group holding signs spelling "SOMOS UNA VOZ" with a quote praising youth, overlaid on a purple-toned photo inside a building with flags and columns. Transcribed Text: "Our youth. We've had some awesome young interns and volunteers with so much knowledge and recognition of their own voice/power, they are amazing!" - Member of Legal Department

"Purple-tinted image of people sitting outside a stone-walled building with yellow text overlay." Transcribed Text: "Conversations that shifted perspectives and reminders that growth often happens quietly before it’s visible. Member of Philanthropy Department"

"Hope does not glimmer; it burns."

Our staff took a moment to reflect on sources of hope that lifted their spirits in 2025 💗

Six photos of inspiring moments throughout the year, including protests/rallies and artistic ways of showing support for the trans and immigrant communities.

Over the past year, we witnessed countless moments of inspiration: Idahoans coming together, speaking out against injustice, holding those in power accountable, and stepping up to defend their neighbors. These serve as a potent reminder that no one fights for their freedoms alone🫂

Black background with text about a bill, a pink banner urging Congress to vote no, and collage images of activism and the Statue of Liberty. Transcribed Text: Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene introduced a bill that would put doctors in prison if they provide health care for trans youth. Tell Congress to vote NO. QUEER & TRANS JOY IS UNSTOPPABLE ACLU Idaho

The House of Representatives is set to vote on two extreme bills this week that would criminalize gender-affirming care for youth and ban coverage of this lifesaving care under Medicaid.

📣 Tell Congress to protect health care for trans youth and their families now: action.aclu.org/send-message...

Guarded by Predators - InvestigateWest Investigative reporting that holds power accountable and creates real-world impact across the Pacific Northwest.

Read the full 'Guarded by Predators' series: buff.ly/l3BEBEd.

"Illustration of women in prison uniforms sitting together in a dimly lit cell." Transcribed Text: "From one voice to many: Women speak out on Idaho prison abuse Inspired by Andrea Weiskircher, scores of women revealed sexual abuse by Idaho prison staff. Most of their cases were buried."

A recent @investigatewest.bsky.social investigation found years of sexual abuse in Idaho prisons & systemic failures that let this abuse go unchecked.

All Idahoans — including those who are incarcerated — deserve fair treatment under the law and transparency from prison officials & state leaders.

We received a record number of civil rights complaints in 2025, with criminal procedure and incarcerated rights as our most common.

We engaged with more than 200 bills during the 2025 legislative session, focusing on the preservation of our civil liberties.

In 2025, we took legal action to defend immigrants and won injunctions in three of our lawsuits.

Protesters stand before a classical-style government building, one holding a sign with text. Transcribed Text: MADE FROM DREAMS THAT CROSSED BORDERS AQUÍ ESTAMOS NO NOS VAMOS 2025 ACLU Idaho RECAP

In 2025, we remained steadfast in our defense of Idahoans' fundamental freedoms.

We took action by:
✔️ filing lawsuits to protect the rights of immigrants
✔️ engaging with more than 200 bills in the statehouse
✔️ empowering communities across the state.

And our work is far from over.

Several community members say relatives detained by ICE in Canyon County traffic stops The Canyon County Sheriff's Office and Caldwell Police confirmed ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations are ongoing in Canyon County and parts of southwest Idaho.

With confirmed reports of increased ICE activity in southern Idaho this past week, it's critical that families are prepared for a potential emergency. Our crisis planning toolkit has preparedness resources for Idahoans: www.acluidaho.org/crisis-plann...

We Have Rights | American Civil Liberties Union What to Do When Interacting with ICE

WE HAVE RIGHTS: When ICE Is Outside Our Doors. For more information visit: www.aclu.org/we-have-rights.

YouTube video by ACLU TENEMOS DERECHOS: Cuando ICE Está Afuera de Nuestras Puertas (Spanish)

TENEMOS DERECHOS: Cuando ICE Está Afuera de Nuestras Puertas. Para obtener más información, visite: www.aclu.org/we-have-rights.

If ICE is outside your door:
🚪 Do not open the door.
🚫 No warrant, no entry.
📃 ICE may try to force themselves in. Do not resist and take pictures of any documents they show you.
💬 If you are detained, say "I wish to remain silent. I want an attorney. I do not consent to any searches."

Yellow background with brown wording and a brown graphic of four armed federal agents in the bottom right corner. Wording says You do no have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings, but police may "pat down" your clothing if they suspect a weapon. You should not physically resist, but you have the right to refuse consent for any further search. If you do consent, it can affect you later in court.

Yellow background with brown wording that says You have the right to document any incidents. If you experience or witness an incident with law enforcement, write down everything you remember ASAP, including any badge and patrol car numbers. If you are injured, take photographs of the injuries as soon as possible, and make sure you seek medical attention.

Can't forget these rights, too!

Brown background with yellow wording and a graphic of Many armed federal agents standing around. Wording says Know Your Rights. ICE, federal agents, and local police. With a yellow arrow to indicate swiping for more information.

Yellow background with brown wording and a graphic on the right of a person recording something on their cell phone. Wording says You have the right to record law enforcement activities as long as you do not interfere. You also have the right to disseminate footage of officers carrying out their duties in public. Law enforcement cannot confiscate or demand to see your video without a warrant.

Yellow background with brown wording that says You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to discuss any of the following with police, immigration agents, federal agents, or any other officials: Your immigration or citizenship status, where you were born, how you entered the country.

Yellow background with brown wording and a brown gavel in the lower left corner. Wording says Officials must have a judicial warrant in order to enter private spaces such as homes, businesses, health centers, churches, and schools. A judicial warrant is signed by a judge.

Knowing your rights and exercising those rights may make a huge difference in the event you run into law enforcement. You have constitutional rights in that situation, and hopefully they don't violate those rights. But if they do, let us know by filling out the form on our website.

More from the Statesman: buff.ly/QKl41yq

News article screenshot from Idaho Statesman about immigrants sent to ICE, with an Idaho State Police shield image. Transcribed Text: Idaho Statesman CRIME ‘Dangerous’ immigrants sent to ICE, Idaho Gov. Little said. Most had no violent crimes By Alex Brizee Updated November 14, 2025 4:57 PM Gift Article IDAHO STATE POLICE

Gov. Little directed "emergency funds" to deport people he labeled "violent criminals," yet most had no history of crime. Many were suspected, not convicted, of DUIs — a crime Idaho elected officials have been convicted of. We expect honesty & fairness from our leaders, not deception and hypocrisy.

Your Rights as a Trans Person - ACLU of Idaho As local and federal laws rapidly shift, it’s crucial for the trans community to stay informed on their rights in Idaho.

For those needing to update the gender marker on their birth certificate, instructions are available on our website: www.acluidaho.org/know-your-ri...