In a powerful display of community activism, over 100 residents gathered at Salt Lake City’s first community meeting of the year on Monday evening, voicing urgent concerns regarding the city’s relationship with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The meeting, held at the Salt Lake City Public Library, was organized by advocacy groups and aimed at addressing fears related to potential collaborations between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement. Attendees included a diverse mix of families, activists, and concerned citizens, many of whom shared personal stories of fear and uncertainty regarding immigration policies. The atmosphere in the library was charged with emotion as residents took turns speaking, urging city officials to take a stand against ICE’s practices. "We are here to remind our leaders that we will not be silent while our communities are under threat," said Maria Gonzalez, a community organizer with the local immigrant advocacy group. She emphasized the need for the city to adopt policies that protect undocumented residents rather than cooperate with ICE, which many view as a source of fear and division. Concerns about ICE have intensified in recent years, particularly as national rhetoric surrounding immigration has become increasingly polarized. Local activists argue that any collaboration between the city and ICE undermines trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, making individuals less likely to report crimes or seek assistance. According to a 2022 report by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), cities that have entered into agreements with ICE have seen a marked decline in community cooperation with police. At the meeting, residents voiced specific grievances regarding the potential for local law enforcement to act as agents of ICE. One speaker, Javier Ruiz, recounted his experience of being detained after a minor traffic violation, which led to his deportation proceedings. "I was not a criminal; I was just trying to get to work," Ruiz said, his voice breaking with emotion. His story resonated with many in attendance, who expressed fears that similar situations could happen to their loved ones. City officials were present at the meeting, including Mayor Erin Mendenhall, who acknowledged the residents' concerns and promised to take their feedback into consideration. "We are committed to ensuring that all residents feel safe and valued in our city," Mendenhall stated. However, as she spoke, some attendees expressed skepticism about whether the city would take meaningful action to protect immigrant communities. The meeting also featured a panel of experts and activists who provided insights into the implications of ICE policies on local communities. Legal experts explained the ramifications of local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, emphasizing that it can lead to increased fear and decreased public safety. They advocated for the city to implement policies that clearly delineate the roles of local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, ensuring that the safety of all residents is prioritized. As the meeting progressed, the discussion shifted towards actionable steps that residents could take to influence local policy. Several speakers encouraged attendees to engage with their city council members and advocate for the creation of a sanctuary city ordinance. Such an ordinance would prohibit local law enforcement from cooperating with ICE and provide protections for undocumented residents. The idea received enthusiastic support from the audience, with many pledging to attend future council meetings to advocate for the proposed changes. The gathering concluded with a call to action as community leaders urged attendees to stay engaged and continue the momentum from the meeting. "Tonight, we’ve shown that our voices matter, and together we can create change," said activist Linda Morales, inspiring a round of applause from the audience. The sentiment echoed the larger movement across the country, where communities are increasingly asserting their right to resist federal immigration enforcement. As Salt Lake City moves forward in 2023, the message from its residents is clear: they demand policies that protect their neighbors, foster trust, and ensure that everyone feels safe in their community. The city’s leaders will face increasing pressure to respond to these demands and to consider the implications of their policies on the lives of countless residents. As the new year unfolds, the struggle for immigrant rights in Salt Lake City promises to be a pivotal issue on the local agenda, with community members firmly committed to advocating for change and justice in their city. This meeting marks just the beginning of what many hope will be a year filled with activism and advocacy, as residents unite to challenge the status quo and push for a more inclusive and equitable Salt Lake City.