Idaho Representative Stephanie Mickelsen claims she was targeted with immigration raids due to her opposition to far-right extremism within her own party. After being censured and barred from running as a Republican, Mickelsen faced threats of ICE raids from far-right Republican activists, culminating in a raid on her businesses shortly after Trump’s inauguration. Mickelsen believes these intimidation tactics have hindered her ability to effectively legislate, causing her to reconsider her position. Despite her insistence on compliance with immigration laws, Mickelsen voiced concerns about the chilling effect such tactics have had on her career. She called on legislators to stand up against extremists and focus on bipartisan solutions for Idaho. Following the ICE raid on her farms, Mickelsen voted against a bill mandating the use of e-verify for all Idaho employers, citing concerns over enforcement costs. Her experience has spurred her to prioritize local issues over national politics and campaign-driven agendas, such as ensuring lower utility bills and securing water rights for future generations. Mickelsen aims to bring attention to the impact of extremism and intimidation tactics in politics, highlighting the need for collaborative and constructive dialogue to advance the interests of Idahoans. Despite ongoing hostility from activists like Ryan Spoon, who has advocated for purging non-aligned individuals from Idaho’s political landscape, Mickelsen remains committed to serving her constituents and upholding Idaho values.
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