Idaho Human Rights Commissioner Fired Over Social Media Posts About ICE

Estella Zamora's reappointment to the commission was withdrawn after criticism over her Facebook posts criticizing ICE actions.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 2:47pm

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After more than 30 years on the Idaho Human Rights Commission, Estella Zamora was terminated this week after Gov. Brad Little withdrew her re-appointment without warning. Her termination came amid a social media and conservative blogger uproar over Facebook posts Zamora made that were critical of actions by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

Why it matters

Zamora's firing highlights growing tensions around political speech and activism by public officials, even on issues related to their official duties. It also raises concerns about the independence of state human rights commissions and whether they can effectively advocate for marginalized groups if commissioners face retaliation for expressing views the governor disagrees with.

The details

Zamora said she was never directly told the reason for the withdrawal of her reappointment, but she believes it was due to her social media posts criticizing ICE actions, including posts about protests against ICE in Minneapolis. The governor's office later directed state agency heads to coordinate with the governor's office before engaging in political activities.

  • Zamora received her reappointment to the commission around early December 2025.
  • Zamora stood before the Senate State Affairs Committee on Jan. 28, 2026 for her appointment hearing.
  • On Jan. 30, 2026, Senate President Pro Tempore Kelly Anthon responded to a tweet about Zamora, saying 'Not. Going. To. Happen. This appointment will not move forward in the Idaho Senate.'

The players

Estella Zamora

A 30-year veteran of the Idaho Human Rights Commission who was fired after the governor withdrew her reappointment following criticism of her social media posts about ICE.

Gov. Brad Little

The governor of Idaho who withdrew Zamora's reappointment to the human rights commission.

Kelly Anthon

The Idaho Senate President Pro Tempore who publicly opposed Zamora's nomination, saying anyone on the human rights commission must be 'committed to the rule of law' and enforcement 'blind' to personal beliefs.

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What they’re saying

“I've always thought that my position on the commission is to protect and educate regarding people's rights. I'm out here protecting and making sure people are able to voice their opinions and to express themselves and do what is right. But then I'm basically muzzled, I guess, for doing the job that I was appointed to do.”

— Estella Zamora

“Not. Going. To. Happen. This appointment will not move forward in the Idaho Senate.”

— Kelly Anthon, Idaho Senate President Pro Tempore

What’s next

The governor's office has not indicated if or when they will appoint a replacement for Zamora on the Idaho Human Rights Commission.

The takeaway

Zamora's firing underscores the challenges public officials can face when expressing views on social issues, even when those views are within the scope of their official duties. It raises concerns about the independence and ability of state human rights commissions to effectively advocate for marginalized groups if commissioners risk retaliation for voicing opinions the governor disagrees with.