News & Commentary

I am an inmate within the Idaho Department of Corrections. I became aware of the Coronavirus via the news. I thought, “Oh, great, here’s another virus we need to be aware of.” At first, I wasn't really worried about it, but as time went on, seeing its rapid spread, I worried mainly about my family and friends and how it would affect them. At least they were in a position to deal with it as it presented itself. They have the choice and the option of self-isolation and using/wearing medical masks for their protection. Fortunately, the prison did supply us with masks. Plus, family/friends are able to apply, which I cannot do, social distancing at their discretion. 

Jesús nació en Romita, Guanajuato, MX. Su padre solía venir a los Estados Unidos como trabajador de temporada todos los años desde mediados de los 80’s hasta finales de los 90’s. Pero trabajar como trabajador de temporada trajo muy pocos ingresos a la familia. Su padre finalmente ganó suficiente valor y decidió traer a toda su familia al estado, siendo el primero de su familia en emigrar a los Estados Unidos en 1997. Jesús sólo tenía dos años.    

To whom it may concern,

Lalo was born in Guanajuato, MX. Neither of his parents had the opportunity to further their education in Mexico. His mom had to drop out of school when she was in 2nd grade, and his dad had to drop out when he was in 10th grade. His parents knew the difficulties of pursuing education back home, and they didn’t want that life for their kids. Lalo was just five years old when he came to the U.S. — his dad came first and brought the rest of them over shortly after.

I learned about the pandemic on the news. When I heard about it I was more worried about my family getting it. I am not concerned about my health, only for my family. All the information and safety [measures] I have gotten are from the news, not in the prison.

Rixa was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, MX. Her family was living in a shack-like place and were struggling to make ends meet. Thankfully, her dad was offered a job in the states and was able to settle in.

COVID-19 entered this facility last week with one [case] and in just 7 days [the number of cases] has turned to 8. I’m in a dorm but it’s 3 people to an 8x6 cell.

If you are facing eviction, you have rights. One very important right that you have is the right to a jury trial. The Idaho Constitution protects that right.