ISP transports more immigrants to ICE + Record visitation at Minidoka + Column: Rebuilding civics participation

By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief

A close up of an Idaho State Police trooper’s uniform patch. (File photo courtesy of the Idaho Governor’s Office)

IMMIGRATION

Idaho State Police transport 30 more immigrants from prison to ICE for deportation

By Laura Guido

After the Idaho Capital Sun reported that some of the Idaho State Police’s previous transports for deportation of immigrants accused of crimes had occurred before convictions, the state police agency has changed its policy.

ISP officers have assisted federal immigration authorities in transporting more than 80 people out of state correctional facilities for deportation, since the governor announced the partnership last June. Gov. Brad Little has said the agreement for transports was intended to focus on “taking dangerous illegal alien criminals out of county jails after the completion of their sentences instead of being released back into Idaho communities.”

A visitor explores the Spatter Cones Trail at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. (Photo courtesy of the National Park Service)

ENVIRONMENT

430,000 visits recorded at southern Idaho parks, including record number at Minidoka historic site

By Christina Lords

Four southern Idaho recreation sites welcomed visitors for more than 430,000 visits in 2025, including a record number of visits to the Minidoka National Historic Site near Jerome.

The preamble to the United States Constitution begins with the words “We the People.” (Photo by Getty Images)

COMMENTARY

Here’s how we’re rebuilding civic participation in the Mountain West

By Emily Strasburg

The Civics Cup (also referred to as “We the Students”) introduces high schoolers to American government through competitive, team-based learning, writes guest columnist Emily Strasburg.

MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US

‘Going green now for who?’ Yakama protest clean energy project on sacred site to power data center | Alex Baumhardt
Do Jackson Hole’s busiest trails create a wildlife ‘sacrifice zone’? Study finds coexistence. | Mike Koshmrl
Private equity companies buy more apartment units | Robbie Sequeira

ICYMI

Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting

Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall

Coeur d’Alene Press: Shoshone Medical Center takes over county drug diversion program
Idaho News 6: City to install permanent air scrubber to combat hydrogen sulfide odors in Twin Falls neighborhood
Lewiston Tribune: More and more voters seem to have the fate of public lands in mind
Valley Lookout: Valley P&Z: Lake Cascade water quality ‘hinge pin’ for Red Ridge Village proposal

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