BOISE, ID — In a bold stand against the western invasion, Idaho Governor Brad Little announced today that the state had constructed a new border wall of potatoes to keep out Californians.

The project was intended to stem the tide of California transplants moving into the Gem State and causing higher housing costs, heavier traffic, and demands for things like bike lanes and gun control.

"Don't California my Idaho!" Little exclaimed at a press conference held atop a 12-foot pile of russets. "We've seen what happens when Californians show up. Suddenly, everyone wants hookah lounges, yoga studios, and taxes to pay for prison inmate sex changes. Not on my watch. This wall is 100% Idaho-grown, 100% fryable, and will stop Priuses in their tracks."

The "Spud Wall," as locals have named it, uses the state's abundant potato crop as its main building material. Supporters pointed out that it's inexpensive, locally grown, and easy to repair. If sections start to spoil, they can be swapped out or turned into fries for highway crews.

Governor Little added, "If Californians want to live in Idaho so badly, they need to learn to drive in the snow, own at least three guns, and eat potatoes for every meal like the rest of us."

Early reports from the border suggested it was having some effect. A few California transplants reportedly took one look at the towering pile of stem tubers and eventually turned around.

Environmentalists and progressive groups were predictably outraged, calling the potato wall "racist against root vegetables" and demanding it be replaced with a "culturally sensitive" wall made of kale.

At publishing time, Idaho farmers had already begun selling "Border Fries" and "Freedom Tots" at the base of the wall, while a small group of Californians was spotted attempting to tunnel under it with reusable straws.

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