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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has thrown his support behind President-elect Donald Trump’s policies on illegal immigration, announcing on Tuesday a “targeted effort” by the Utah Department of Public Safety and the Utah Department of Corrections.
The effort will reportedly enhance coordination between federal, state, and city agencies to help identify, jail, and deport illegal immigrants who have committed crimes and been deemed to pose a threat to public safety.
“When it comes to immigration policy, the safety of Utah residents is my top priority,” said Gov. Cox. “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. We have zero tolerance, however, for those who demonstrate a threat to public safety while in the country illegally.”
According to Gov. Cox’s office, illegal immigrants make up over 4% of Utah’s prison population, reportedly costing the state $16 million per year. Utah authorities reportedly already turned over a large number of convicted illegal immigrants for deportation.
However, Cox’s office says states need more federal assistance to hold illegal immigrants who have been arrested and held in county jails accountable.
“Utahns shouldn’t have to bear the substantial financial burdens or public safety impacts associated with individuals who are here illegally committing crime,” said Brian Redd, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Corrections. “As we develop more confidence in federal policy, it makes sense to be more aggressive in deporting those who commit crime and victimize our communities.”
On the other side of the aisle, Utah’s Democratic leaders criticized Cox’s initiative, saying it raises serious concerns about equating immigration with criminality.
“While we 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,” Utah Senate Democratic Leader Luz Escamilla and House Democratic Leader Angela Romero said in a joint statement. “In these conversations, we must distinguish between those who commit crimes and those seeking better lives for themselves and their families.”
Utah’s Democratic leadership said policies should build trust between law enforcement and the immigrant community. Escamilla and Romero said a law enforcement approach overlooked the need for “comprehensive solutions” that address the roots of crime, using poverty, addiction, and mental health challenges as examples.