Utah Governor Spencer Cox has announced plans to step up efforts to deport illegal immigrants who have committed crimes in the state. This initiative aligns with President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda for mass deportation. The governor’s office stated that Utah will continue to welcome legal refugees and immigrants, but those posing a threat to public safety will be targeted.
The focus of the effort will include identifying illegal immigrants who have been arrested, providing increased training for law enforcement, collaborating with task forces to combat drug distribution, and working with federal agencies to address regulatory hurdles in detaining criminal immigrants. The Utah Department of Corrections revealed that illegal immigrants make up 4.6% of the state’s prison population, with associated costs amounting to nearly $16 million annually.
While Governor Cox’s plan has received support, critics like Utah Democratic leaders Luz Escamilla and Angela Romero have raised concerns about the approach, highlighting the potential for fear-mongering and misrepresentation of undocumented individuals. They advocate for building trust with immigrant communities and addressing the root causes of crime.
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