Idaho Leaders United Recognizes Josh Hurwit
October 15, 2025 (Boise, IDAHO) – Idaho Leaders United (ILU) hosted its third annual reception in Boise on Tuesday evening, gathering lawmakers, industry leaders, law enforcement, city officials, and Idahoans from across the state to celebrate respect, inclusivity, and constructive discourse.
ILU is a nonpartisan coalition of Idahoans committed to rejecting bigotry, political violence, and extremism. It was formed in 2023 to create a network of residents who believe that civic life must resist demonization, incitement, and hateful divides. When extremists operate unchecked, they corrode trust, silence viewpoints, and warp the community-mindedness that defines Idaho. ILU advocates for preserving spaces where people can disagree without fear by encouraging leaders and everyday people across Idaho to speak out against hate and build mutual respect.
At the event, ILU recognized Josh Hurwit with the Pillar of Idaho Award for his service as U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho. In this role, Hurwit oversaw statewide prosecutions targeting fentanyl trafficking, child exploitation, violent crime, and financial fraud. Hurwit also advanced civil rights enforcement by convening “United Against Hate” forums with tribal and community partners and by directing resources toward investigating hate crimes and illegal extremist violence. Over the course of his tenure, he worked alongside local, state, tribal, and federal partners across nearly every county in Idaho to strengthen public safety.
“As U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho, [Hurwit] prosecuted cases solely on their merits—never swayed by politics or by which agency might be involved. His focus was always on protecting the state of Idaho and its citizens," said Tracy Basterrechea, Meridian Chief of Police. "Years before today's rise in political violence, Josh recognized the danger of escalating rhetoric and sounded the alarm. His leadership in the DOJ's “United Against Hate” Initiative made a real and lasting impact here in Idaho."
"Josh and I share a sense of public safety and public service. When we think about freedom, we always think about the Constitution. But here in Idaho, we have other freedoms that we should also be talking about. Josh knows that community safety is really the freedom that we enjoy here in Idaho," said Ada County Sheriff Matt Clifford. "On behalf of law enforcement and the people of Idaho, I want to thank Josh for his dedication, his integrity, and his willingness to serve in challenging times."
“The rule of law is what makes everything else possible in our country. My role as a U.S. Attorney was not to play favorites, not to think about my personal likes and dislikes, but to uphold the rule of law as the law was written—without fear or favor,” said Hurwit. “I salute Idaho Leaders United for being visible and vocal in support of the rule of law and in standing up against violence and extremism so that Idaho remains such a great place to live.”
For more information about Idaho Leaders United and their mission, please visit https://idaholeadersunited.org/.