More than a thousand Utahns joined a protest against ICE in Salt Lake City as part of a 'National Shutdown'. Walkouts and events were organized across northern Utah to St. George. On Friday, January 30, 2026, Utahns gathered at City Hall and marched downtown, demanding an end to President Donald Trump's immigration policies. Business owners closed their shops and students walked out of classes in solidarity with the national effort. The protest in Salt Lake City saw over a thousand people pack into Washington Square, holding signs and chanting against ICE. Community members distributed hand warmers, freshly baked cookies, and free coffee. The national action was sparked by recent incidents involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents, including the deaths of Silverio Villegas González, Keith "Pooter" Porter Jr., Renee Good, and Alex Pretti. A nurse at the protest held a sign that read, "Nurses for Alex Pretti." The Trump administration has defended its immigration policies, claiming they enhance national safety. However, protesters like Sue Widdison and Autumn Blaustein-Olfen argue that something must be done. Sue Widdison, from Millcreek, expressed the relentless nature of recent events, stating, "A sign that I saw last year said, 'Too much s--- for one sign,' and it really feels like that." Protesters in Salt Lake City marched towards the local field office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, then headed back to Washington Square Park. In St. George, around 40 people gathered downtown to protest ICE, with some drivers honking in support and others yelling derogatory comments. Attendees included local retirees, tourists, and students like Peter Dowdle, who drove from Cedar City to show solidarity. The protest in St. George was a testament to the widespread opposition to ICE and federal immigration policies across Utah.
