News & Commentary

View looking up to the Idaho Capitol lit up at dusk

5 Crucial Takeaways from Idaho’s 2026 Legislative Session

Idaho’s 2026 legislative session was eventful — here are five key takeaways from the statehouse.

Latest Press Release

Jun 16, 2026

Judge Blocks Idaho Law Criminalizing Transgender People’s Bathroom Access

A federal judge today granted a request for a preliminary injunction, limiting enforcement of HB 752 to protect access to some restrooms.
Group of pro-trans activists outside of the federal courthouse holding signs

More from the Press

Placeholder image

Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

Person is walking into the women's bathroom in a public place

Debunking Misconceptions About Idaho’s Bathroom Ban Laws

As anti-transgender rhetoric and policies have become more mainstream in recent years, so has the debate around an unexpected topic: bathrooms.
Close-up of police car lights

287(g) Agreements in Idaho

Idaho has signed multiple new 287(g) agreements since President Trump took office in January 2025.

Jul 13, 2026

How the Diversity Visa Program Works in the U.S.

The goal of the diversity program is to increase diversity of immigrant populations in the United States.

By ACLU of Idaho

A group of seven individuals looks at the camera smiling. They are diverse in gender, race, religion, and ethnicity with men and women representing Black, Indigenous, Asian, and white races, and one woman wears a hijab.
Jul 13, 2026

How Humanitarian-Based Immigration Works in the U.S.

The goal of humanitarian-based immigration (refugees and asylum seekers) is to provide safety for those fleeing persecution in their home country.

By ACLU of Idaho

A woman wearing a hijab comforts at a man with shoulder-length hair who is facing away from the camera.
Jul 13, 2026

How Family-Based Immigration Works in the U.S.

The goal of family-based immigration is to reunite families. 

By ACLU of Idaho

A man holding a little girl stands next to a woman holding a little boy with the USA flag draped over them, looking happy together.
Jan 29, 2026

Idaho State Lawmakers Attempt to Block Cities from Banning LGBTQ+ Discrimination

State lawmakers introduced a bill to ban city/county anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ folks. Currently, 12 Idaho cities and two counties have these protections in place.

View of the Idaho Capitol on the right side looking up with blooming flowers and a pink sky
Dec 24, 2025

Trump, Immigration, Trans Rights: The Stories That Shaped 2025

This year’s most-read ACLU stories trace a nation grappling with military overreach, attacks on the press, threats to immigrant and transgender communities, and the fight for justice in response.

By Proposed Public Defense Commission Rules - onepager 2017 FINAL.pdf

An individual holding a sign that says "Protect People, Not Power" outside of the U.S. Supreme Court ahead of arguments in the Voting Rights case Callais v. Landry.
Dec 01, 2025

Immigration Agents are Retaliating Against People Who Record Them

We’re filing a FOIA to find out how deep the problem goes

Hands in the air holding cellphones with a protest in background
Nov 21, 2025

Sandpoint Removes Longstanding LGBTQ+ Protections

Sandpoint City Council's removal of longstanding discrimination protections for the LGBTQ+ community departs from Idaho's core values of fairness and respect.

Person waving an LGBTQ+ flag
Nov 18, 2025

Veterans Demand Congress Pull Troops from American Cities

Former U.S. Army Captain and ACLU Senior Project Manager Jessica Apgar praises the more than 40 veterans demanding Congress take action against the Trump administration’ abuse of military powers.

U.S. Army Soldiers standing in formation.
Oct 10, 2025

How Employment-Based Immigration Works in the U.S.

The goal of employment-based immigration is to bring valuable skills to the U.S. economy.

Latine immigrant work on a farm, tending to green crops in a large farm field