ICE planning ‘mega center’ in Salt Lake City, mayor says
Mar 30, 2026, 1:30 PM
FILE — Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall meets with the Deseret News editorial board at the Deseret News’ office in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (Laura Seitz, Deseret News)
(Laura Seitz, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall spoke out on Monday after she met with officials with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She said the agency is planning a “mega center” in Utah’s capital city.
“I was told ICE plans for Salt Lake City to host one of its ‘mega centers,’ with capacity for approximately 7,500 to 10,000 individuals. It would represent a hub in the ‘hub and spoke’ model,” Mendenhall said in a statement.
The mayor said ICE planned to start working on the site in the coming weeks or months.
Mendenhall reiterated previous concerns with the planned ICE facility.
“I continue to share the deep concerns of many of our neighbors related to public safety, air quality, and potential impacts to the Great Salt Lake due to increased water use. I have heard from neighboring business operators who understandably have serious questions about the strain such a facility would have in the area,” Mendenhall said.
This story will be updated.
