GOP Lawmakers Open to ICE Detention Center in Utah

Salt Lake City police and House Speaker decline to comment on planned facility

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:33am

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Several Republican state lawmakers in Utah have expressed openness to an ICE detention center being established in the state, though Salt Lake City police and the state House Speaker have declined to comment on the planned facility. Some lawmakers say they want to know more about the intended use of the center, while others believe it is needed in Utah as long as it is operated humanely.

Why it matters

The proposed ICE detention center has sparked debate over immigration enforcement and local cooperation with federal agencies. While some GOP lawmakers see a need for such a facility, others and local officials have raised concerns about the potential impact on public safety and community relations.

The details

Several Republican state representatives, including Kay Christofferson and Stephanie Gricius, have voiced support for an ICE detention center in Utah, as long as it is operated properly and humanely. However, Salt Lake City police and Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz have declined to comment on the planned facility. Another lawmaker, Sen. Brady Brammer, says he wants to know more about the intended use of the center before forming an opinion.

  • The proposed ICE detention center is currently in the planning stages.

The players

Kay Christofferson

A Republican state representative from Utah County who is not concerned with a detention center within the boundaries of the Inland Port.

Stephanie Gricius

A Republican state representative who says Utah needs an ICE center, though she does not have a position on the location.

Mike Schultz

The Utah House Speaker who declined to comment on the planned ICE detention center.

Brady Brammer

A Republican state senator and attorney who serves on several criminal justice committees, and wants to know more about the intended use of the planned ICE facility.

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What they’re saying

“As long as they do it right and are humane”

— Kay Christofferson, Republican state representative

“I do think we need something in Utah”

— Stephanie Gricius, Republican state representative

“I want to know what the facility will be used for. Generally, I'm not opposed to an ICE facility, and the federal government doesn't need to ask our permission to have an ICE facility, but we do want to cooperate, and we do want to know what's going on.”

— Brady Brammer, Republican state senator and attorney

What’s next

The planned ICE detention center is still in the early stages, and state and local officials will likely continue to debate its merits and potential impacts in the coming months.

The takeaway

The proposed ICE detention center in Utah has sparked a divide among Republican state lawmakers, with some voicing support as long as it is operated humanely, while others want more information on its intended use before forming an opinion. The lack of comment from Salt Lake City police and the state House Speaker suggests potential concerns about the facility's impact on public safety and community relations.