News & Commentary

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.

"...all I can say is to pray that those incarcerated make it out and get to go home to their families, alive and healthy."

Maria was born in San Sebastian del Grande, Jalisco, MX. Her parents came first to the states to save up money. Their plan was to save enough money and go back to Mexico. But they soon realized that it was going to take more than a few months to be financially prepared, so they decided to bring Maria and her sibling over to the U.S. instead. She was seven years old when she arrived in the U.S. Now Maria is a legal assistant at an immigration office and is proud to help people in a similar situation as her.

I am currently at SICI and we just got our first positive case on our tier and the guy was my side Bunkie. We are currently under quarantine status so we only get off our tier to use the kiosk every once in a while for about 45 minutes for the whole 48-person tier. Also, we haven't been outside now for about a week — which sucks for me because I love being outside and I work out about 3 hours every day. All the workout equipment is outside, so it’s just calisthenics and cardio for now.

Ashley was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, MX. Although both of her parents were working nonstop in Mexico, they were struggling financially to support the family. Her father was tired of living this way, so he came to the US first, then Ashley and her mom later followed. She was only three years old when they crossed so her recollection of how they crossed the border is a blur. She remembers her mom telling her that at one point they were in the desert and they ran out of food and water that her mom gave her liquid Tylenol just to keep her hydrated. The coyote told her mom that it would be easier if she just left Ashley behind to cross with a different group por la linea, that since Ashley was little they wouldn’t question her, but her mom refused to be separated from her. After getting detained two times at the border they finally succeeded to cross on their third attempt. Ashley was a few days away from turning four when she arrived in the U.S.

Dear ACLU of Idaho, Human Kind, and Black & Pink Boise,