Idaho Bill Allowing Law Enforcement to Engage in Immigration Heads to House Floor

A new immigration bill in Idaho, House Bill 83, is set to move to the House floor after approval from the State Affairs Committee. This bill, devised to regulate unauthorized immigration, classifies a first offense as a misdemeanor and a second offense as a felony. Proponents claim law enforcement would only be allowed to enforce…

‘Headed for a Disaster:’ ACLU asks Idaho Supreme Court to Order Public Defense System Reform

The ACLU of Idaho is urging the Idaho Supreme Court to step in and address what it calls a public defense crisis, alleging that the State’s recent overhaul of its public defense system is leaving indigent defendants without proper legal representation. After Idaho transitioned to a statewide public defender agency in October, mass resignations due…

Fueled by Harsh Drug Sentences, Idaho Leads Nation in Womens’ Incarceration

In Idaho, harsh drug sentences are a significant driver behind the rising rates of female incarceration. Over the past few decades, the state’s tough-on-crime policies, particularly regarding drug-related offenses, have led to an alarming increase in the number of women behind bars. Many of these women are incarcerated for non-violent offenses, often related to addiction…

Inmate Charged with Murder of Prison Cellmate Identified by Ada County Sheriff’s Office

Gerald B. Cummings Jr. was pronounced dead at 3:38a.m. Saturday, December 11. His cellmate, Colton J. Reagan was charged with first degree murder. Cumming was found unresponsive with injuries that appeared to be consistent with a beating. After Ada County Sheriff’s Office conducted interviews, they concluded Reagan, a 25-year-old and Cummings Jr., a 57-year-old, were…