In a significant development that could impact the Salt Lake City community, a group of protesters gathered on Friday morning outside an unoccupied warehouse located at the intersection of 6800 West and 1000 North. The demonstrators voiced their concerns that this site may soon become an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center. The protest was organized in response to rumors that have circulated for months regarding a potential facility in the area, igniting fears among local residents and immigrant advocates alike. T.J. Young, an organizer of the protest, explained the urgency behind their gathering, stating, "We have heard that a detention center may be coming to SLC for months now, and no one has known where it might be, but this all started lining up yesterday." The heightened anxiety surrounding this issue coincides with recent protests across the nation, particularly following the controversial shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minnesota. The incident has intensified scrutiny on federal immigration enforcement practices, prompting activists to take a stand in various cities, including Salt Lake City. On Thursday, a team from Scripps News captured footage of ICE and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents conducting a site visit at an empty warehouse in Kansas City. This has further fueled speculation that similar activities may be taking place in Salt Lake City. When FOX 13 News approached the warehouse on Friday, they observed a fleet of black SUVs parked nearby and individuals within the building. Two men who came to the door declined to provide any information, stating they were not authorized to speak with anyone outside of the scheduled site visit. This silence only deepened the mystery surrounding the facility's future. In addition to the concerns about the potential detention center, local lawmakers are also addressing immigration enforcement through proposed legislation. A bill dubbed the "ICE Out" bill aims to prohibit ICE agents from operating in Utah locations and restrict the use of face coverings among immigration officials. This legislative effort reflects a growing sentiment among community members who are increasingly wary of federal immigration actions, particularly given the recent escalation of violence attributed to ICE agents in various cities. Rev. Phyllis Spiegel from the Episcopal Diocese of Utah spoke passionately during the protest, emphasizing the need for solidarity against oppressive practices. "Not just 'Not Here' but nowhere. Because there is no difference between here and Minnesota. There is no difference between here and Chicago. There is no difference when the people of the United States are oppressed," she stated, encapsulating the fears shared by many activists. The protest not only highlighted local concerns but also connected those fears to a broader national narrative about immigration enforcement and civil rights. In response to inquiries about the rumored detention center, a representative from the Department of Homeland Security stated, "We have no new detention centers to announce at this time." This statement, however, has done little to assuage the worries of local residents and activists who are anxious about the implications of an ICE facility in their community. The uncertainty surrounding the warehouse's future has prompted many to take a stand, expressing their commitment to advocating for the rights of immigrants and detainees. Peter, another protester, expressed his determination to be present at the demonstration, stating, "I don't know if it'll create the change that we're looking for, but it sure as heck worth being out here regardless of whether ICE and state-level officials have what it takes to come out and guide when they say they will." His words reflect a sentiment shared by many attendees who are driven by a desire to protect their community and uphold human rights. The unrest following the Minneapolis shooting has reverberated across the nation, inspiring protests aimed at raising awareness about the treatment of immigrants and the tactics employed by federal enforcement agencies. Young reiterated the peaceful intentions of the protest, saying, "We are not looking for violence today. We are here for the peace of the community and their peace of mind and to let them know we believe in their constitutional rights and human rights." As the situation continues to unfold, the Salt Lake City community remains on high alert regarding the future of the warehouse and the potential establishment of an ICE detention center. Local activists, lawmakers, and concerned citizens are expected to continue voicing their opposition to any plans that may threaten the safety and rights of immigrant families in the region. With ongoing discussions surrounding immigration policy and enforcement, the community's response will likely play a crucial role in shaping the narrative moving forward.