And now they are killing innocent people. #SayHerName
Given the tenor and tone of the dialogue between left and right in 2026, it is with great restraint that I post this opinion piece. Members of the formerly normal Republican Party decry any mention of authoritariansim uttered in reponse to the tactices and strategies of the Trump administration even in the wake of the tragic killing of Nicole Renee Good, a mother of three children, in Minnesota. Idaho’s congressonal delegation expressed ZERO remorse for the actions of the Department of Homeland Security and ICE.
They are reluctant to see how Project 2025 is erroding our institutions, culture, constitutional rights and freedoms. And now we are confronted with what has been characterized as an army of “jack-booted thugs” disguised as “law enforcement”. Ironically, the phrase gained prominence in the 1990s, notably from NRA leader Wayne LaPierre.
“Jack-booted thugs” is a derogatory term for aggressive, authoritarian government agents, referencing the heavy, knee-high boots (“jackboots”) associated with totalitarian regimes like Nazi Germany, used to criticize perceived overreach by federal law enforcement, especially during controversial actions like raids or searches.
Today, many conservative commentators like Joe Rogan are expressing concern about the tactics of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection’s characterizing them as “Gestapo”. Meanwhile Idaho’s congressional delegation is mute. They have stated they support ICE and their tactics, the tactics that lead to Renee’s and the deaths of over 30 others in the past year.
“More Americans now see the value of immigration way more than they did a year ago, with the share wanting immigration reduced dropping from 55% in 2024 to 30% today, according to a recent Gallup Poll— and a record-high 79% of U.S. adults now say immigration is a good thing for the country.” ~ Storer H. Rowley – Alaska Daily News, 2025
It has become clear ICE, CPB and other Federal agencies are not concerned about the law, the Consitution or standards police departments across the nation uphold.
We Support Police Standards – Not Gestapo Tactics
U.S. law enforcement’s minimum conduct standards center on constitutional rights, requiring Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches (warrants, probable cause, exceptions), Miranda rights (silence, counsel, warning before custodial questioning), and Due Process (fair, equal treatment, respect for rights). These standards mandate respect for individual privacy and rights, ensuring lawful procedures, reasonable force, and equal application of the law, guided by ethics and court rulings.
Key Standards & Requirements
The US Constitution governs law enforcement and our actions are analyzed through the Bill of Rights. This makes it essential that law enforcement officers have a good understanding of constitutional law and its application to situations from a radio-run to a long-term investigation. It is clear IHS and CPB have not trained officers to have a sufficient understanding to perform their duties even though the constitutional law enables and requires officers to conduct successful police work without violating the constitutional rights of the residents.
Keep in mind these are the MINIMUM STANDARDS of conduct for bona fide law enforcement.
- Fourth Amendment: Unreasonable Searches & Seizures
Protection: People are protected from unreasonable government intrusion into their persons, homes, papers, and effects. - Warrants: Generally, police need a warrant based on probable cause (strong reason to believe a crime occurred) for searches and seizures.
- Reasonableness: The core test for searches/seizures is “reasonableness,” balancing individual rights with government interests like public safety.
- Exceptions: Warrantless searches are allowed in specific cases (e.g., lawful arrest, consent, plain view, hot pursuit).
- Miranda Rights (Custodial Interrogation)Warning: Before questioning someone in custody, officers must warn them of the right to remain silent, that statements can be used against them, and the right to an attorney (retained or appointed).
- Waiver: Any waiver of these rights must be knowing, intelligent, and voluntary.
Invocation: If a suspect invokes their right to counsel, police must stop questioning unless the suspect reinitiates contact or a public safety exception applies (e.g., immediate danger). - Due Process
Fair Treatment: Ensures everyone receives equal treatment and respect for their constitutional rights, regardless of race, religion, origin, etc.. - Rule of Law: Requires adherence to high ethical standards, proper procedures, and clear agency policies.
- Use of Force Reasonableness: The Fourth Amendment’s “reasonableness” standard applies, allowing force only to the degree necessary to effect a lawful stop or arrest, not excessive coercion.
- Agency Conduct Ethics: Agencies must uphold high ethical standards, with officers understanding expectations for conduct on and off duty.
- Policy: Guidance comes from codes of ethics, mission statements, and legal requirements.
We call on all citizens, law makers and representatives to condemn the actions of IHS, CPB and ICE. Their use of “militarized, warrantless, and discriminatory” enforcement, including the random questioning of individuals in public places like store parking lots without specific suspicion and door to door searches are clearly violations of law and our Constitution.
Visit www.5calls.org to contact our congressional delegation, call Governor Brad Little at (208) 334-2100 and join www.idaho50501.com – be active. Review our “Civil Disobediance Toolkit” for information on activism.
Reject #GOPchaos – #RejectMAGA