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For Immediate Release
November 26, 2024
Contacts:
Mackenzie McGrath
801-946-5362 | mmcgrath@le.utah.gov
Hannah Gorski
Utah House Minority Caucus
801-349-0373 | hgorski@le.utah.gov
Utah Senate and House Democratic Leaders on Governor Cox’s Immigration Announcement
SALT LAKE CITY—Utah Senate Democratic Leader Luz Escamilla and House Democratic Leader Angela Romero issued the following statement after Governor Cox announced state efforts to support incoming Trump administration’s priorities on illegal immigration:
“The Governor’s announcement raises serious concerns about equating immigration with criminality and scapegoating undocumented communities. 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. In these conversations, we must distinguish between those who commit crimes and those seeking better lives for themselves and their families.
Instead of fostering fear and division, we need policies that build trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, ensuring victims and witnesses feel safe coming forward. A focus solely on enforcement overlooks the need for comprehensive solutions that protect public safety while respecting the rights and dignity of all Utahns. This includes humane comprehensive immigration policies and processes and addressing the root causes of crime–such as poverty, addiction, and mental health challenges–without unfairly targeting entire communities. Immigrants, regardless of status, deserve to feel safe and valued in Utah. Let’s continue to foster policies that reflect Utah’s values focusing on families and compassion, fairness and unity.”
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