RIVERTON, Utah – On a sunny Sunday afternoon, Riverton became the backdrop for a significant protest as residents from various backgrounds united to voice their concerns over local law enforcement’s collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The demonstration, which drew a diverse crowd of young and old, men and women, highlighted growing frustration over federal immigration policies and the impact on local communities. The protest was organized in response to the recent shooting of Renee Good, a Black woman who was killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Participants carried signs bearing messages of solidarity with Good and calls for an end to local partnerships with ICE, particularly from the Riverton Police Department, the first in Utah to engage in such collaborations. "We have people who are young, we have people who are old, we have men, we have women, we have people from all different socioeconomic backgrounds," said Jeremy H., a resident from West Valley. "We're fed up. We want to see them drop the contract. We don't need local help enforcing, frankly, unconstitutional federal laws." The march commenced at Riverton Park, with participants making their way to City Hall. As the group took to the streets, Riverton Police directed traffic, ensuring safety amid the gathering. For some onlookers, the protest served as a wake-up call to the issues at hand. “We were just having our after-church breakfast and then saw a crowd blocking traffic,” said Ethan Foster, a bystander who felt conflicted about the demonstration. “I personally don't agree with what they're saying, but they have every right to express it. Just maybe don’t block traffic.” The tension surrounding the protest was palpable, with many participants expressing a sense of urgency for change. Salt Lake resident Lyndsay Privett articulated her feelings about the current state of the nation, saying, "I know we're all stretched thin, and none of us have time to be doing this, but what else is there? Our country is just in utter chaos, and we don't have a clear plan forward." Privett’s sentiments reflect a broader frustration felt by many protesters who believe that the current immigration policies are displacing communities and causing unnecessary fear among residents. "I'm just hoping for anybody who wants to come together and find a solution because we need to agree on something, and we can all agree right now that this is displacing communities," she added. The Riverton Police Department's partnership with ICE has been a contentious topic since its inception. Critics argue that such collaborations contribute to the criminalization of immigrant communities and create an atmosphere of fear. The protest is part of a growing movement in Utah and across the nation, where local law enforcement's involvement with federal immigration enforcement is increasingly scrutinized. As the crowd gathered at City Hall, speakers took turns addressing the assembled protesters, demanding accountability not only from local police but also from government officials who support such partnerships. The call for action resonated through the crowd, with many chanting slogans that echoed their desire for justice and reform. Amidst the heated exchanges, some attendees called for a balanced approach to immigration reform. “Obviously, we need to stop the flow of illegal immigrants coming into the country, but also, we need to have compassion and grace,” said Foster, highlighting the complexities involved in the immigration debate. As the protest concluded, organizers emphasized that this was only the beginning. Plans were discussed for future actions aimed at further pressuring local officials to reconsider their stance on ICE collaborations. In the wake of the protest, FOX 13 News reached out to the Riverton City administration and the police department for comments regarding the event and their stance on the ongoing partnership with ICE. As of the time of publication, no official comments had been issued. The demonstration reflects a growing discontent with federal immigration policies and local law enforcement's role in enforcing them, signaling a potential shift in community dynamics in Riverton and beyond. As residents continue to mobilize, the future of local partnerships with ICE remains uncertain, with advocates vowing to keep the pressure on local officials until significant changes are made.