Immigrant Rights

The ACLU of Idaho actively engages in protecting the immigrant community through litigation, fighting anti-immigrant legislation, providing public education, and elevating the stories of those directly impacted.

Orange and brown duo-tone images, including the statue of liberty, a young girl holding a sign that says "here to stay" and a child on her dad's shoulders holding an american flag

What you need to know

About 35,000

undocumented immigrants live in Idaho (source: University of Idaho McClure Center for Public Policy Research)

14 anti-immigrant bills

were introduced in the Idaho legislature during 2025 alone.

There has been an 800% increase

in ICE arrests of our immigrant neighbors in 2025. (source: Data Deportation Project)

Find resources for immigrant families to protect their assets and loved ones on our crisis planning page.

Immigrants are an integral part of Idaho’s identity, and they deserve the opportunity to live and thrive in Idaho with dignity, too. Not only are immigrants the backbone of Idaho’s booming agricultural industry, but they are our neighbors, co-workers, and friends.

Facts about immigrants in Idaho:

  • About 5.7% of Idaho’s population are immigrants
  • As of 2021, there were 35,000 undocumented immigrants in Idaho—making up about 1.7% of Idaho’s population
  • Undocumented immigrants in Idaho pay income, sales, and other taxes, but are ineligible for most public programs that are funded by tax dollars, including housing and food assistance programs, Medicaid and subsidized health insurance

Our Fight for Immigrant Rights

Idaho’s elected officials have launched an unprecedented campaign to dehumanize and terrorize immigrants of various legal statuses. During President Trump’s second term, these attacks have escalated to a new level that threatens the constitutional rights of all immigrants.

We are fighting back against these pervasive assaults on our immigrant community in the courts, at the statehouse, and in the community:

  • Legal Fights: In 2025, we launched two lawsuits against the State of Idaho, IORC v. Labrador to fight the creation of a new state crime to exist in Idaho without work authorization, and Davids v. Adams to fight an attack on immigrant access to life-saving federally funded medication. These unconstitutional laws both seek to supersede federal authority on immigration. We secured preliminary injunctions and class action status in both cases, which are still making their way through the courts.
  • Statehouse Advocacy: We work in the statehouse to fight anti-immigrant and unconstitutional legislation by educating lawmakers, submitting public testimony, and co-organizing community actions, to eliminate or minimize the harm of legislation that is passed.
  • Community Organizing: Through extensive community organizing, including Know Your Rights trainings, rallies, and community actions, we are rallying Idahoans to push back against harmful anti-immigrant efforts.
  • Public Education and Storytelling: We engage with impacted communities to combat anti-immigrant rhetoric, misinformation, and disinformation that persists across this state. We do this through substantial public education and storytelling campaigns across a variety of mediums.

We will never stop fighting for an Idaho where all people have equal access to their constitutional freedoms, regardless of immigration status.

SOMOS Idaho Program

In 2023, we launched our SOMOS Idaho program to empower Idaho's Latine and immigrant communities through Know Your Rights information, leadership training and development, and storytelling support that challenges the anti-immigrant narrative in Idaho.

What You Can Do to Support Immigrant Rights

Now more than ever, we need people joining the fight for our immigrant community. Here are some actions you can take to support immigrant rights in Idaho:

  • Join our SOMOS program. If you are an immigrant or a Latine descendant of immigrants in Idaho looking to develop leadership skills to fight the anti-immigrant movement, contact us to get involved with our SOMOS Idaho program.
  • Become a volunteer. We are always looking for volunteers to help us with rallies, campaigns, Know Your Rights trainings, and more to mobilize the community in defense of immigrant rights.
  • Review our immigrant ally toolkit. Below, you’ll find a toolkit with resources for people to become more informed on immigration issues and learn how to be an effective ally.

The Latest

Press Release
Bold red text reads "filed: Davids v. Adams" with a blue image of a gavel in the background.

Immigrant residents, doctor sue Idaho to preserve access to life-saving medication for immigrants

The lawsuit is seeking to preserve access to federally funded HIV medication for immigrants who cannot verify their lawful presence.
Press Release
Wooden gavel

ACLU files lawsuit against the state to stop HB 83

The lawsuit argues that H.B. 83 violates the U.S. Constitution by attempting to supersede the federal government’s oversight of immigration enforcement.
Issue Areas: Immigrant Rights
Press Release
Exterior view of the front of the Idaho Capitol building

ACLU of Idaho Condemns Slate of Anti-Immigrant Bills from Idaho Legislature

ACLU of Idaho condemns the handful of anti-immigrant bills that have been introduced in the Idaho legislature this legislative session.
Issue Areas: Immigrant Rights
Press Release
Empty school chairs and desks in a classroom

ACLU of Idaho Files Federal Complaint with Department of Justice on Discrimination of Latine Students by the Nampa School District

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Idaho filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, on behalf of Latine students impacted by the discriminatory dress code and discipline policies and practices of the Nampa School District.
Court Case
Jun 27, 2025

Davids v. Adams

Preserving access to life-saving HIV treatment for immigrants in Idaho.
Court Case
Mar 27, 2025

IORC v. Labrador

Stopping the Idaho legislature from circumventing federal immigration enforcement.