Deep concerns are surfacing in Owyhee County, Idaho, as Sheriff Larry Kendrick faces serious allegations of racist conduct and discriminatory practices. An extremism watchdog group warns his rhetoric could fuel violence. What does this mean for community relations and justice in the region? Dive into the full story to understand the escalating tensions.
A disturbing narrative is unfolding in Owyhee County, Idaho, where local officials face intense scrutiny for their unwavering support of Sheriff Larry Kendrick, despite significant accusations of racist and discriminatory conduct. This situation has ignited serious concerns among extremism watchdog groups and local advocates, who fear the sheriff’s rhetoric could potentially incite violence against immigrant communities and minorities within the region.
The controversy stems from a detailed report by InvestigateWest, revealing claims made by five former Owyhee County Sheriff’s Office employees. These individuals alleged that Sheriff Kendrick frequently engaged in racist jokes and cultivated a workplace environment openly biased against women and minority staff members, fostering a culture of discomfort and unfair treatment.
Sheriff Kendrick, however, has publicly dismissed these serious “Racism Allegations.” In a Facebook post dated August 14th on the official Owyhee Sheriff’s page, he vehemently denied the accusations, branding them as “unfounded,” “outright lies,” and “bereft of any reality.” Intriguingly, this post was configured to allow viewing and commenting only by a select group of users, raising questions about transparency.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, key local figures have maintained a notable silence. Owyhee County Commissioners Walt Holton and Cindy Bachman, along with Owyhee County Prosecutor Christopher Topmiller, have not responded to requests for interviews regarding the claims against Sheriff Kendrick, leaving the public without official commentary on the matter.
The Western States Center, an Oregon-based nonprofit specializing in researching extremism, expressed profound concern through senior organizer Kate Bitz. Bitz highlighted Sheriff Kendrick’s use of inflammatory terms like “foreign invaders” to describe immigrants, even those with legal work authorization, calling such rhetoric “incredibly disturbing” for an individual holding such a powerful public office. This language, she argues, publicly mirrors the internal bigotry described by former employees and could be incredibly dangerous.
Further exacerbating concerns, Sheriff Kendrick is a documented member of the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association. Devin Burghart, president of the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights, emphasized the association’s “well-documented history of racism” and its deep ties to white supremacist ideologies, gaining traction during the civil rights movement by opposing federal laws. Examples include former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio, convicted for racial profiling, receiving an award from this very association.
Local advocates have also voiced apprehension regarding the “Immigration Enforcement” tactics under Sheriff Kendrick, particularly the office’s participation in the 287(g) program, which deputizes local law enforcement to assist federal authorities. Irene Ruiz of the Idaho Organization of Resource Councils fears this could lead to the profiling and targeting of Latinos, especially given Kendrick’s public stance and the historical context of strained community relations.
The perceived inaction by both the Idaho Peace Officers and Standards Training (POST), responsible for certifying law enforcement officers statewide, and the Owyhee County commissioners, is seen by Ruiz as tacit approval of Kendrick’s conduct. She contends that this lack of oversight effectively silences those harmed and normalizes discriminatory behavior, eroding trust in law enforcement across “Idaho Politics” and potentially beyond.
This escalating controversy underscores a critical challenge to justice and community faith in local governance. The allegations, combined with official silence and the sheriff’s affiliations, paint a troubling picture for Owyhee County, raising profound questions about accountability and the protection of minority rights in Idaho.
