Salt Lake City Leaders Face Growing Pressure on Immigration as Deportation Debate Heats Up

SALT LAKE CITY — As fears of increased deportations mount, Salt Lake City leaders are taking steps to reassure residents and address their concerns. The Salt Lake City Board of Education reaffirmed its “safe school resolution” on Tuesday, amid growing anxiety over President-elect Donald Trump’s plans to ramp up deportations of undocumented immigrants once he assumes office next month. This measure, initially adopted in 2017, expresses the district’s support for all students, regardless of immigration status. It also pledges to do everything within its legal power to protect against potential immigration raids at schools.

Similarly, the Salt Lake City Council met on Tuesday to hear from residents, many of whom called for a formal proclamation of support for the city’s immigrant community. While no action was taken during the meeting, Councilwoman Eva López Chávez issued a statement expressing her support for immigrants and criticizing Governor Spencer Cox’s recent announcement that he would collaborate with federal authorities to pursue Trump’s immigration policies.

“As the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants, I understand the challenges of the citizenship process and the harm caused by mass deportation policies,” López Chávez posted on Instagram.

The issue of immigration has been a central focus for Trump, whose stance on deportation was a significant factor in his presidential campaign. Many of his supporters argue that undocumented immigrants pose a security risk, take jobs from U.S. citizens, and strain government resources. Trump has vowed to target those in the country illegally, calling their presence “an invasion.” In a recent interview, he suggested deploying National Guard troops to assist in enforcement.

In late November, Governor Cox, also a Republican, announced that state authorities would work closely with federal and local partners to identify, detain, and deport undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes and are considered public safety threats. Cox emphasized that protecting the safety of Utah residents is his top priority.

While many support the actions outlined by Trump and Cox, others, including those at the Salt Lake City Council and School District meetings, expressed concerns. School board member Jenny Sika emphasized the need to reaffirm the district’s commitment to creating a safe environment for students, given the uncertainty surrounding future deportations. The resolution passed with unanimous support.

“We don’t know exactly what deportations will look like,” Sika said. “But we want to make it clear that our schools are a safe space, and we are here to protect our students and their families.”

Alongside the board’s vote, district officials shared informational materials with school principals. These documents stress that all children in the U.S. have a constitutional right to free public education, regardless of their or their parents’ immigration status. The materials also highlight federal guidelines that restrict immigration enforcement at “sensitive locations,” including schools, hospitals, and churches.

Although Trump has not yet taken office, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s office emphasized that her administration has yet to receive guidance on potential federal immigration policies. Mendenhall did not attend the City Council meeting, but her spokesperson, Andrew Wittenberg, provided a statement reiterating the city’s stance.

“Salt Lake City will remain a safe and welcoming community for all law-abiding residents,” Wittenberg said. “Our police department will continue to enforce the law, but immigration status will not be a factor when handling situations involving potential arrests.”

At the same meeting, several residents urged the City Council to take more direct action, such as establishing a legal defense fund or providing aid to those impacted by federal immigration policies. “I urge the City Council to explore how the city can use its resources to protect undocumented residents,” said Oswaldo Ponce de Leon Landa, a community member. “Undocumented immigrants are integral to our community.”

While the City Council did not act on these proposals during Tuesday’s meeting, Wittenberg underscored the city’s long-standing commitment to refugees and immigrants, affirming that inclusion and respect remain central to Salt Lake City’s identity.

As the Trump administration prepares to take office, Salt Lake City leaders continue to navigate a delicate balancing act. While some residents fear the impact of deportation efforts, others are calling for more tangible actions to protect immigrant families. The city’s leaders have expressed their commitment to upholding the values of safety, inclusion, and respect, regardless of immigration status.