Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities throughout the country, especially in Minnesota, dominated the headlines. While there have been protests in Utah, things have been relatively mild so far. But media attention is ubiquitous and so the impact on local politics is in question.
A recent Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll revealed 53% of Utahns disapproved of the deportation methods used by ICE and Border Patrol. However, 64% of Republicans were fine with the actions while 67% of independents and 90% of Democrats were not. Is there truly a partisan divide in the state or is a nuanced analysis appropriate?
Cowley: Promising to clean up the immigration mess caused by the Biden Administration was a substantial reason why Trump was elected. It is also a reason why this author voted for him three times. Although I appreciate the targeting of criminals and those who crossed the border to take advantage of Biden’s lackadaisical approach, I do not condone violent operations or actions that have an effect on the blameless, and I worry we are now chasing away those who come to our country fairly. Studies show that both legal and illegal immigration is dropping in Utah, which demonstrates the effect of the operations. But as one with a proud pioneer heritage myself, I hate to chase away those who come here fairly.
I’m a conservative with a libertarian bent toward law enforcement. I am anxious about actions that ensnare innocent citizens and assert harm, and I insist these must cease. Otherwise, this project suffers too much from the impact of the circulated PR and the criminals it should target could benefit from its demise. Also, as a proud “gun-totin” cowgirl, I hated statements from Trump and others that disparaged a protester who legally carried a gun. Anyone who lawfully owns a weapon, regardless of their political affiliation, deserves respect for their Second Amendment rights. These missteps compel a recalibration of efforts. As a Republican, I want enforcement but with a more effective approach.
Pignanelli: “Local police have high expectations for law enforcement and we hold them to high standards. Federal officers should also be held to high standards … Protesters need to follow the law.” — Rep. Paul Cutler, Hinckley Report
Born late in the Eisenhower administration, I grew up in the decades of frequent and large protests (i.e. Civil Rights, Vietnam, women’s liberation, antipoverty, environmental, etc.). I witnessed firsthand how the peaceful but energetic tactics of Martin Luther King transformed the mindsets of family and friends away from segregation. Conversely, violent episodes surrounding the Vietnam War hardened opinions. I still recall the horror of the 1970 Kent State shootings.
Rep. Cutler’s statement is an exact formulation of how Americans want law enforcement and the protesters to act. Most police officers exercise restraint and use force only when necessary. Smart activists utilize the tactics of messaging and persuasion without physical nastiness.
Therefore, I think while Republicans support an aggressive nature of administration, they also want federal officers to reflect the quality witnessed almost every day from local police.
There have been reports of local law enforcement trying to work with federal authorities and immigration enforcement. The expressed hope is to avoid problems occurring in Minneapolis and other jurisdictions. Although some municipal leaders oppose such interaction, there is momentum in the state toward coordination. Is there potential for Utah to provide a path for how important goals are implemented and avoid the harm occurring elsewhere? Can Utah lead the way?
Cowley: Several left-wing state officials have “reaped the whirlwind” by asking citizens to protest visiting federal agents in this exercise. This only leads to problems and eventual harm to immigrants and citizens. Unfortunately, some Utah officials are mirroring this unwise approach. However, Democrats on the Utah Federalism Commission are trying to reach a common-sense approach.
Coordination between Utah authorities and federal immigration enforcement is the best way to ensure a safe and even compassionate process.
Pignanelli: After a 2011 eruption of immigration controversies, local leaders adopted the nationally recognized Utah Compact. The document outlines five principles for a balanced immigration policy: federal solutions, focused law enforcement, family support, economic benefits for a free market and a humane approach in a free society.
This is the gold standard of promoting legal immigration and at the same time a compassionate resolution of undocumented workers. A recent Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll states that 67% of Utahns support birthright citizenship. The empathy of our state can be an important guide to federal officials in the enforcement of laws. This is an important mission for the “Utah Way”.
How will the controversies surrounding immigration affect elections?
Cowley: Continued protests will further excite the left wing base which could propel candidates in primaries that are on the extreme end of the political spectrum. This can cause problems for Democrats in the general election.
Pignanelli: If enforcement activities and protests are still raging past Labor Day this will be an issue and a huge political mistake on the part of the GOP. However, the real or perceived state of the economy is likely to be the main issue in November.