CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Utah Gov.’s latest plan will support Trump plan to deport undocumented immigrants

Nov 26, 2024, 12:22 PM | Updated: Nov 27, 2024, 2:23 pm

utah governor spencer cox...

FILE - Utah Gov. Spencer Cox speaks at his monthly news conference held at the Eccles Broadcast Center in Salt Lake City, Sept. 19, 2024. (Isaac Hale/The Deseret News via AP, Pool, File)
Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS

(Isaac Hale/The Deseret News via AP, Pool, File)

SALT LAKE CITY — On Tuesday, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox announced an effort to deport undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes. The efforts support President-elect Donald Trump’s plans for mass deportation of undocumented immigrants.

The governor’s office announced that the Utah Department of Public Safety and the Utah Department of Corrections will collaborate. 

“Utah will continue to welcome refugees and immigrants who enter the country lawfully, and we will continue pushing for reforms to the asylum process and for more visas to support our workforce needs,” said Gov. Cox. “We have zero tolerance, however, for those who demonstrate a threat to public safety while in the country illegally.

When it comes to immigration policy, the safety of Utah residents is my top priority.” 

The press release said the effort will have five main points: 

  1. Identify additional ways to identify undocumented immigrants who have been arrested. The information will be used to turn them over to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
  2. Increased training for law enforcement authorities to determine who should be sent to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
  3. Collaborate with Utah’s Fentanyl Taskforce to charge undocumented immigrants who have been involved in fentanyl distribution in Utah.
  4. Collaborate with the Utah legislature on policies related to criminal behavior carried out by undocumented immigrants.
  5. Work with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to “reduce unreasonable federal regulations and detention standards that interfere with the ability to house criminal detainees.”

The cost of crimes

The Utah Department of Corrections said that undocumented immigrants account for 4.6% of Utah’s prison population. Cox’s office also said that costs related to their imprisonment reach nearly $16 million each year. 

The governor’s office said the majority of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants are sex offenses and murder. The press release also listed drug distribution as a common offense. 

“Federal immigration authorities have failed in their duty to the American people and they’ve left states and localities to independently manage the fallout,” said Cox. “We’re grateful to have an administration coming in who will take these problems seriously.”

Opponents react 

Following Cox’s announcement, Utah Senate Democratic Leader Luz Escamilla and House Democratic Leader Angela Romero released a joint statement. They expressed disagreement with the plan. 

“The Governor’s announcement raises serious concerns about equating immigration with criminality and scapegoating undocumented communities,” read the statement. “While we all want to hold criminals accountable and ensure public safety, this approach risks creating fear and misrepresenting undocumented individuals, many of whom contribute significantly to Utah’s economy, culture, and workforce.” 

The statement continued by saying that policymakers should work to build trust between immigrant communities and law. Escamilla and Romero argued that efforts should include steps to address the root causes of crime. 

Related: How a Utah shelter helped Venezuelan men settle in the US, and what it says about our immigration policy

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Crime, Police + Courts

judge retention bill...

Adam Small

Utah bill proposes 67% vote requirement for judicial retention

Under current Utah law, a simple majority is needed in the general election for judicial retention.

2 hours ago

A Uintah County woman is accused of putting Borax in her children's water, allegedly to help their ...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Utah woman accused of putting Borax in her children’s water

Prosecutors say since the beginning of the school year in August, the suspect, Barbara Susan Williford, 47, "had been putting a pinch of Borax in her minor child's water."

1 day ago

A Unified Police Department vehicle sits in a neighborhood in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Friday, Feb....

Michael Houck

SWAT arrests man suspected of robbing a Utah bank and sending threats to another

SALT LAKE CITY — A man is accused of robbing a bank and stealing a dollar amount to reference the 9/11 attacks. On Thursday, Unified police and the FBI were called to a robbery that happened at a Chase Bank on 2855 E, 3300 South in Millcreek. Witnesses told investigators that a white man with […]

1 day ago

FILE — A Salt Lake City Police Department squad car. Salt Lake City Police Department’s Bike Sq...

Diana Jones

SLCPD officers arrest two people suspected of drug trafficking in Library Square

On Thursday, Salt Lake City Police Department’s Bike Squad arrested two men for suspected drug-trafficking operation in Library Square. 

3 days ago

FILE - A police vehicle flashes its lights. (Getty)...

Michael Houck

Pedestrian killed after being hit by a vehicle, Santa Clara-Ivins police say

A woman was fatally hit by a vehicle Friday evening, Santa Clara-Ivins police say.

4 days ago

Santa Clara murder charges...

Jacob Freeman

Charges brought against 15-year-old in Santa Clara murder case

A 15-year-old has been charged for killing a family member and wounding another in a Santa Clara home on Jan. 30.

4 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Utah Gov.’s latest plan will support Trump plan to deport undocumented immigrants