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Utah leaders respond to new ICE facility developments in Salt Lake
KSL.com • • general
Key Points:
- The Department of Homeland Security is now focusing on using existing detention space for immigration enforcement, casting doubt on plans for a new detention facility in Salt Lake City, though no official notice has been given to local leaders.
- The federal government purchased a warehouse near Salt Lake City International Airport for over $145 million to serve as a detention center, but public opposition and a federal lawsuit have challenged the project.
- Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla opposes the facility, citing concerns about rights violations and due process, while Rep. Matt MacPherson supports it for alleviating local jail overcrowding.
- Governor Spencer Cox, who previously supported the detention center, has declined to comment on the recent developments and referred inquiries to the Department of Homeland Security.
- The situation remains uncertain as federal officials reportedly consider canceling the Salt Lake City detention center along with several others nationwide.
