Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Immigration Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee tables bill limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement near 'sensitive locations' after heated hearing
Summary
After hours of split testimony from sheriffs, medical providers, faith leaders and immigrant advocates, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to table SB136, a bill that would restrict state/local participation in certain federal immigration enforcement at defined "sensitive locations." The tabling motion passed 6'to'3.
Senate Bill 136, which would define "sensitive locations" (including libraries, health‑care facilities, houses of worship and some courthouse locations) and limit state or local participation in federal immigration enforcement at those locations without a judicial warrant, was the subject of a lengthy, often emotional public hearing.
Sponsor Senator Blum said the measure "creates common sense guidelines" to protect worshipers, medical patients and other service users and to avoid confrontations like reported national incidents. The bill would not, according to the sponsor, categorically bar cooperation in all circumstances but would require a valid judicial warrant for certain types of operations in those places.
Law‑enforcement organizations including the Utah Sheriffs Association and several county sheriffs urged the committee to oppose the measure, saying cooperation with federal partners is critical for public safety and officer safety. Kane County Sheriff Tracy Glover and Utah County Sheriff Mike Smith warned the bill could create "zones" where criminals could evade federal enforcement and hinder coordination.
Advocates, clinicians and faith‑community witnesses testified in favor, describing fear among immigrant families and the chilling effect on health‑care access and worship. Testimony included personal accounts: one parent said, "My children are afraid going to school every day that their friends are going to be taken." Another clinician said ICE presence in facilities discourages patients from seeking care.
After debate, Senator Brammer moved to table SB136; the motion to table passed on a roll-call vote reported as 6'to'3. Tabling suspends further committee action unless members later vote to untable (a two‑thirds vote at a future committee meeting would be required to revive it).
