SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, July 22, 2025 – The Utah Sheriffs Association credits its May trip to Washington, D.C., for prompting key changes in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) leadership and operations in Utah. The association says these changes have led to more effective and cooperative partnerships between federal and local law enforcement.
Sheriffs had long raised concerns that previous ICE leadership in Utah lacked accountability and was unwilling to coordinate with local agencies. These concerns were outlined in a joint letter from Gov. Cox and the Utah Sheriffs Association’s Executive Team to ICE and Department of Homeland Security officials in January of this year. ICE replaced local leadership in June 2025 and is implementing new operational procedures. These changes have opened the door for sheriff’s offices to move forward with 287(g) agreements.
Kane County Sheriff Tracy Glover, president of the Utah Sheriffs Association said, “With ICE now aligned to support sheriff-led enforcement efforts, we can continue to focus on targeting serious criminal offenders and keeping our communities safe, while also supporting our federal partners.”
The new agreements do not significantly change how sheriff’s offices operate but provide greater access to federal data and resources to help identify individuals already in custody.
Each county sheriff is an independently-elected, constitutionally-charged official, and each county will determine its own agreement with ICE. “For example, our deputies will not participate in immigration sweeps or workplace raids, and any immigration-related action occurs only after an individual has been arrested on separate criminal charges,” said Utah County Sheriff Mike Smith. Under the 287(g) program, sheriffs have three options for engagement with ICE: the jail enforcement model, task force model and warrant service officer model.
The association will closely monitor the implementation of these agreements and maintain open communication with federal partners.
For more information visit https://utahsheriffs.org/connect
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About Utah Sheriffs Association: The Utah Sheriffs Association was established to enhance the safety and well-being of Utah's communities by fostering dedicated law enforcement, building collaborative partnerships, and promoting active community engagement. We are committed to upholding justice, delivering high-quality professional development, and supporting the dedicated sheriffs and deputies who protect and serve, ensuring a safer and stronger community for all. For more information, visit utahsheriffs.org.