More than a thousand people gathered at Salt Lake City Hall on Friday to participate in a “National Shutdown,” protesting the Trump administration’s immigration policies and the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Protests Across Utah
The protests weren’t limited to Salt Lake City. Business owners closed their doors and students walked out of classes in cities across Utah, from Ogden to St. George, in support of the national effort. Additional events were planned for Saturday throughout the state.
In Salt Lake City, protesters marched toward the local field office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, chanting slogans such as “Power to the people, no one is illegal” and “No justice, no peace, we want ICE off our streets.” The crowd filled Washington Square Park, and police blocked traffic to accommodate the march.
Jakey Sala Siolo, director of NuaNua Collective, a group advocating for LGBTQ+ Pacific Islanders, addressed the crowd, stating he was “tired” and “angry” due to the impact of these events, noting his sister’s workplace was on the street where Renee Good was killed. He emphasized that achieving justice would require sustained effort beyond the immediate protests.
Community Response and Arrests
The atmosphere at the Salt Lake City protest was described as supportive, with community members providing hand warmers, food, and drinks. Protesters employed creative displays, including several individuals dressed in pink axolotl costumes, to draw attention to their cause. Annie Omer, a nurse, held a sign reading “Nurses for Alex Pretti,” expressing her grief and determination to advocate for change.
Following the march, four protesters were arrested for failure to disperse after blocking traffic, according to a Salt Lake City police spokesperson.
Southern Utah Demonstrations
In St. George, approximately 40 people gathered to protest, with some attendees traveling from surrounding areas. Drivers expressed both support and opposition, with some honking their horns and others shouting objections. Marie Straka, a visitor from Minnesota, explained her continued involvement in protesting immigration policies.
Divina 2.0, a drag performer, urged unity and emphasized the shared human need for love and connection before the Salt Lake City march began, invoking the principle of “love thy neighbor.”
Siolo concluded by urging protesters to view this as a long-term commitment, emphasizing that lasting change would be built “on the streets, by the people,” and encouraged voters to support candidates who would “abolish ICE.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted these protests?
The protests were organized in response to the deaths of Silverio Villegas González, Keith “Pooter” Porter Jr., Renee Good, and Alex Pretti, all killed by federal immigration agents.
Where did protests take place in Utah?
Protests and demonstrations occurred in Salt Lake City, Ogden, and St. George, with additional events planned for Saturday across the state.
What is the “National Shutdown”?
The “National Shutdown” is a coordinated protest organized to oppose the Trump administration’s immigration policies and the actions of ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
As these demonstrations highlight a growing wave of activism, what further steps might individuals and groups take to advocate for changes in immigration policy and enforcement?
