Key Takeaways
• ICE arrests in Utah doubled in 2025, reaching about 1,400 from 630 in the same period last year.
• One-third of June 2025 arrests involved people without any criminal record or pending charges.
• Local cooperation under 287(g) and the Laken Riley Act expanded to increase ICE enforcement.
Federal immigration enforcement in Utah has changed sharply in 2025, with a dramatic rise in ICE arrests, especially of people who have not been accused of any crime. Since January, hundreds of Utah residents have been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), many with no criminal record or pending charges. This shift has left families, communities, and legal experts worried about the reasons behind these actions and what they mean for the future.
Sharp Increase in ICE Arrests in Utah
Since January 20, 2025, ICE agents have arrested about 1,400 people in Utah, compared to just 630 during the same period in 2024. This means ICE arrests have more than doubled in one year. Even more striking, up to one-third of these arrests in June 2025 involved people with no criminal record or pending charges. Earlier in the year, only about one-fifth of arrests were non-criminal. The number of non-custodial ICE arrests—those made outside of jails or prisons—has also jumped. In December 2024, there were just 2 such arrests, but by May 2025, that number had risen to 37. In the first 10 days of June alone, 42 people with no prior law enforcement contact were arrested by ICE.
What’s Driving the Surge?
Several policy changes explain why ICE arrests, especially of non-criminals, have increased so much in Utah:
- Renewed Cooperation Under 287(g) Program: Local sheriff’s departments in Utah are now working more closely with ICE under the federal 287(g) program. This program trains local officers to check immigration status and share information with ICE. According to Weber County Sheriff Ryan Arbon, this partnership has made enforcement “a big improvement” in 2025, allowing for more frequent and proactive ICE actions.
- The Laken Riley Act: This new law has expanded the list of offenses that can lead to ICE detention. Now, even minor infractions like retail theft can trigger ICE involvement and possible removal from the United States 🇺🇸.
- Federal Policy Shifts: The return of President Trump to office in January 2025 brought stricter immigration enforcement policies. These changes have shifted ICE’s focus from mainly targeting people with criminal convictions to also including those with no criminal history.
Key Numbers and Trends
The numbers show just how much things have changed:
- Monthly ICE arrests in Utah rose by 150% from about 127 in December 2024 to 317 in May 2025. In the first 10 days of June, there were already 125 arrests.
- ICE detainers—requests to hold people in jail for ICE—have also increased. In Utah County Jail, there were 40 detainers in January 2025, compared to just 7 in January 2024. February saw 23 detainers (up from 16), and by mid-March, there were 25 (up from 20 the previous year).
- Neighboring states are seeing similar trends. Nevada and Idaho have reported fivefold and fourfold increases, respectively, in ICE arrests of non-criminals.
How the Arrest Process Works
When ICE suspects someone in jail is not a U.S. citizen, they can place an ICE detainer on that person. This means the jail holds the individual for ICE to investigate and possibly start removal proceedings. Increasingly, ICE is also arresting people outside of jail—at home, work, or during routine traffic stops. Once detained, many are transferred to out-of-state detention centers, such as in Las Vegas, even if they have no criminal charges or convictions.
Immigration attorneys say that bond requests are often denied for detainees, even when the charges are minor or unproven. This is because the new federal policies have made it harder for people to be released while their immigration cases are pending.
Voices from the Field: Officials and Advocates
Local law enforcement leaders, like Weber County Sheriff Ryan Arbon, have praised the increased cooperation with ICE. They say it improves communication and makes enforcement more efficient. Sheriff Arbon stated, “Our partnership with ICE has been a big improvement this year. We’re able to act more quickly and keep our communities safe.”
However, immigration attorneys and advocacy groups are raising alarms. They warn that the rise in non-criminal arrests is causing fear and confusion in immigrant communities. Many families are being separated, and people who have lived in Utah for years without any legal trouble are now at risk of detention and removal. One immigration attorney explained, “We’re seeing more clients who have never been in trouble with the law suddenly facing deportation. It’s devastating for families and creates a climate of fear.”
Recent Incidents Highlight Concerns
In June 2025, a University of Utah student with no criminal record was detained by ICE after a routine traffic stop in Colorado. Local law enforcement shared information with federal agents, leading to the student’s arrest. This incident sparked an internal investigation and a review of the sheriff’s office policies. It also raised questions about how information is shared between local police and federal immigration authorities.
ICE has also conducted several high-profile operations in the region, arresting dozens of people. While some of those arrested had criminal convictions, a growing number had no criminal record at all.
Impact on Immigrant Communities
The sharp rise in ICE arrests of non-criminals is having a big impact on Utah’s immigrant communities:
- Fear and Uncertainty: Many people are afraid to go to work, school, or even seek medical care, worried they might be detained by ICE.
- Family Separation: Parents are being separated from children, and families are left without breadwinners or caregivers.
- Legal Challenges: With bond requests often denied, many detainees remain in custody for months while their cases move through the courts.
- Community Trust: The increased cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE is making some residents less likely to report crimes or cooperate with police, fearing it could lead to immigration checks.
A local community leader shared, “We’re seeing families torn apart and people living in constant fear. It’s not just about those who are detained—it affects the whole community.”
Background: How Did We Get Here?
This surge in ICE arrests marks a big change from past enforcement priorities. In previous years, ICE focused more on people with criminal convictions or outstanding removal orders. The shift began in early 2025, after President Trump returned to office and pushed for stricter immigration enforcement.
Two main policies have played a key role:
- 287(g) Program: This program allows local law enforcement to act as immigration agents, checking people’s status and sharing information with ICE. In Utah, more sheriff’s departments have joined or expanded their participation in 2025.
- Laken Riley Act: This new law has made it easier for ICE to detain people for a wider range of offenses, including minor or non-violent crimes.
Different Perspectives on the Changes
- Law Enforcement: Officials say the new policies help keep communities safe and improve cooperation between local and federal agencies.
- Immigration Attorneys and Advocates: They argue that the changes violate due process, separate families, and target people who pose no threat to public safety.
- Affected Individuals: Many report feeling scared, confused, and unsure of their rights. Some have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for years, working and raising families, only to be detained without warning.
Legal and Policy Challenges Ahead
Immigration attorneys and advocacy groups are calling for legislative and judicial review of these expanded enforcement practices. They say the policies may violate constitutional rights and raise humanitarian concerns. Some local law enforcement agencies are also reviewing their participation in information-sharing programs with ICE, especially after incidents like the University of Utah student’s detention.
Advocates are pushing for:
- Clearer guidelines on when and how local police can share information with ICE
- More transparency in ICE operations and detainer requests
- Greater access to legal representation for detainees
- Review of the Laken Riley Act and its impact on non-criminal immigrants
What Can Affected Individuals Do?
If you or someone you know is facing an ICE detainer or has been arrested by ICE, here are some steps to consider:
- Seek Legal Help: Contact an immigration attorney as soon as possible. Legal aid organizations may offer free or low-cost help.
- Know Your Rights: You have the right to remain silent and to speak with a lawyer. Do not sign any documents without understanding them.
- Family Preparedness: Make a plan with your family in case someone is detained. This can include arranging for childcare, finances, and legal representation.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from official sources, such as the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Salt Lake City page, for the latest information on policies and procedures.
Resources for Help and Information
- ICE Tip Line: 866-347-2423 for reporting crime or suspicious activity.
- ICE Official Website: For statistics, policy updates, and contact forms, visit ice.gov/statistics.
- Local Legal Aid: Many organizations in Utah offer legal help to immigrants facing detention or removal.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Utah?
The trend of increased ICE arrests of non-criminals in Utah and nearby states is likely to continue unless there are major changes at the federal or state level. Immigration attorneys and advocates are pushing for policy reviews and legal challenges, but for now, the expanded enforcement remains in place.
Local law enforcement agencies are under more scrutiny, with some considering changes to how they work with ICE. Community groups are working to educate residents about their rights and how to prepare for possible encounters with immigration authorities.
Conclusion: Navigating a Changing Landscape
The sharp rise in ICE arrests, especially of people with no criminal record, has changed life for many in Utah. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the combination of new federal policies, expanded local cooperation, and broader enforcement priorities has swept up hundreds of residents who previously had little reason to fear immigration detention.
For those affected, the most important steps are to seek legal help, know your rights, and stay informed about changing policies. For the broader community, these developments raise important questions about fairness, public safety, and the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement.
As the situation continues to evolve, staying connected to official resources and community support networks will be key for anyone impacted by ICE arrests in Utah. For more information on ICE policies and statistics, visit the official ICE statistics page.
If you or someone you know needs step-by-step guidance on responding to an ICE detainer or finding legal help, reach out to local legal aid organizations or consult the resources listed above. Staying prepared and informed can make a big difference in facing these challenging times.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency enforcing immigration laws and deportations.
287(g) Program → Federal program training local law enforcement to check immigration status and share information with ICE.
ICE Detainer → A request to hold an individual in custody for ICE investigation or removal proceedings.
Laken Riley Act → Utah law expanding offenses that can trigger ICE detention, including minor infractions.
Non-custodial Arrest → An arrest made by ICE outside jails or prisons, such as at home or work.
This Article in a Nutshell
Utah saw a sharp increase in ICE arrests in 2025, targeting many without criminal records amid new local-federal collaborations. Policies like 287(g) and the Laken Riley Act broaden enforcement. Families face heightened fear and separation, while immigrant advocates call for legal reforms and clearer ICE procedures statewide.
— By VisaVerge.com
