Donald Trump’s publicity-seeking immigration crackdown in Wilder has managed to tarnish legitimate law enforcement — the FBI, Idaho State Police and a number of Idaho’s local law enforcement agencies — as well as the legacy of a revered Idaho governor.

Phil Batt, who served as Idaho’s governor from 1995 to 1999, was a champion of civil rights. As a state senator, he was largely responsible for the establishment of the Idaho Human Rights Commission. He stood up for immigrants who provide the backbone for Idaho agriculture — getting them workers’ compensation insurance coverage, as well as toilets in the field. He tirelessly advocated for immigrant labor families. The education building at the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights in Boise was named in his honor.

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