Utah Urged to Follow Minnesota's Peaceful Protest Example Against Immigration Crackdown

The Salt Lake Tribune editorial board calls on Utahns to take a stand against federal immigration abuses through constant, peaceful action.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 7:31am

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The Salt Lake Tribune editorial board is urging Utahns to follow the example of Minnesota residents in peacefully protesting against the federal government's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics. The editorial cites the recent killings of two Minneapolis residents by immigration officers and claims that federal agents have been arresting and deporting people based on their appearance or accent, even entering private homes and businesses without warrants. The board says Utah officials should make it clear they will not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and that Utahns should engage in constant, peaceful opposition to any such abuses, just as Minnesotans have done.

Why it matters

This editorial highlights growing concerns over the federal government's heavy-handed immigration enforcement policies and the importance of local communities standing up to protect the rights and safety of all residents, regardless of immigration status. It also underscores the power of peaceful protest and community solidarity in the face of government overreach.

The details

The Salt Lake Tribune editorial board is urging Utahns to follow the example set by residents of Minnesota, who have engaged in widespread, peaceful protests against aggressive federal immigration enforcement tactics. The board cites the recent killings of two Minneapolis residents by immigration officers, as well as claims that federal agents have been arresting and deporting people based solely on their appearance or accent, and even entering private homes and businesses without warrants. The editorial states that Utah officials, including the mayors of Salt Lake City and Moab, have made clear they will not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The board calls on Utahns to display their own version of "Minnesota Nice" by engaging in constant, peaceful opposition to any such abuses, just as Minnesotans have done.

  • The Salt Lake Tribune editorial was published on February 1, 2026.

The players

Erin Mendenhall

The mayor of Salt Lake City, who has stated that there is no appetite in her city for the "untrained and unregulated brutes" who make up much of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol.

Joette Langianese

The mayor of Moab, who has also made it clear that local law enforcement in her city is dedicated to keeping everyone safe and will not cooperate with ICE.

Alex Pretti

A Minneapolis resident who was killed by federal immigration officers, according to the editorial.

Renee Good

Another Minneapolis resident who was killed by federal immigration officers, according to the editorial.

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What they’re saying

“Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.”

— Gandalf the Gray (The Salt Lake Tribune)

What’s next

The editorial does not mention any specific next steps, as it is focused on urging Utahns to follow the example of Minnesota residents in engaging in peaceful protest against federal immigration abuses.

The takeaway

This editorial emphasizes the power of community solidarity and peaceful resistance in the face of government overreach, underscoring the importance of local leaders and residents standing up to protect the rights and safety of all, regardless of immigration status.