Utahns protest ICE in Salt Lake City and across the state during ‘National Shutdown’

Utahns gathered at Salt Lake City Hall before marching as part of a “National Shutdown,” organized to protest the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration and the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Their agents killed Silverio Villegas González in a Chicago suburb in September, Keith “Pooter” Porter Jr. in Los Angeles on New Year’s Eve, and Good and Alex Pretti less than a month apart in Minneapolis. In cities across the state on Friday, from Ogden to St. George, business owners closed their doors and students walked out of classes in support of the national effort. More events were planned for Saturday across the state. Protesters packed into Washington Square in Salt Lake City before the downtown march began, standing shoulder-to-shoulder and filling much of the park’s west side. They held signs and shouted chants including “Power to the people, no one is illegal,” and, “No justice, no peace, we want ICE off our streets.” Passing motorists honked their horns. A banner hanging from City Hall read “SLC [loves] YOU” while signs in the windows proclaimed “This is your home.” Community members doled out hand warmers, freshly baked cookies, coffee, apple cider and water. Reporting: Paighten Harkins and Jordan Miller Video: Trevor Christensen The Salt Lake Tribune