Governor Withdraws Appointment to State Commission
Idaho Gov. Brad Little has removed Estella Zamora from her position on the Idaho Human Rights Commission, effective immediately. The governor also withdrew her nomination for reappointment to the commission.
No public explanation was provided for the decision in the letter sent to the Idaho Senate. Zamora said she was not contacted by the governor’s office prior to the action.
She had recently appeared before a Senate committee as part of the reappointment process.
Social Media Posts Spark Public Controversy
The removal followed public attention drawn to Zamora’s social media posts related to immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis.
The posts included sharing information about protests targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. One post also circulated an AI-generated image referencing deportations to El Salvador.
Critics argued the posts reflected opposition to federal immigration enforcement. Zamora stated that she supports enforcing immigration law but objected to what she described as excessive tactics used during some operations.
Reappointment Halted Before Senate Vote
Zamora had served on the Idaho Human Rights Commission since the 1990s and had previously been reappointed by governors of both major parties.
She appeared before the Senate State Affairs Committee in late January, where lawmakers asked few questions about her qualifications. The committee did not vote on her nomination before the governor withdrew it.
A senior legislative leader publicly stated that the appointment would not advance in the Senate.
Commission’s Role in Civil Rights Enforcement
The Idaho Human Rights Commission reviews complaints involving discrimination in areas such as:
- Employment
- Housing
- Public accommodations
The commission also facilitates mediation between parties in certain cases to resolve disputes without litigation.
Zamora has cited her long-standing community involvement and personal background as part of her service on the commission.
Response From State Officials
The governor’s office did not immediately provide a detailed public statement outlining the specific reasons for the removal.
Zamora said she expressed frustration over the lack of direct communication prior to the decision. She also said she would have welcomed the opportunity to clarify her views on immigration enforcement.
What Happens Next
The governor will appoint a replacement to fill the vacant seat on the Idaho Human Rights Commission. The new appointee will be subject to Senate confirmation.
The move comes amid broader debates at the state and national levels over immigration enforcement policy and the role of public officials in commenting on federal actions.
Related Coverage
Idaho News – https://idahonews.co/idaho-news-3/
National News – https://idahonews.co/national-news/
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