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Herriman officials cite First Amendment limits after pro‑deportation demonstration at City Hall
Summary
City communications manager John LaFollette and Mayor Palmer described a recent pro‑deportation demonstration at Herriman City Hall, said officials were not notified in advance, and explained the city's limited legal options under the First Amendment while encouraging residents to contact officials with concerns.
John LaFollette, communications manager for the City of Herriman, said a group demonstrated at and near Herriman City Hall the previous Saturday with signs and chants generally in support of deportation of immigrants. LaFollette said city officials were not aware the group was coming and that there was no pre‑approved protest permit process for that demonstration.
"Herriman city officials were not aware that this group was coming to our state or our city until they showed up and did this demonstration," LaFollette said, noting the city had received calls, emails and social media messages about the event. He added that while some community members expressed anger, fear and offense, the city’s official response must be guided by law.
LaFollette explained the legal constraints the city faces, citing the First Amendment and decades of U.S. Supreme Court precedent. "Short of that, there are constitutional First Amendment rights to consider," he said, and the city can intervene only if demonstrators cross into illegal acts such as property damage, blocking roads, or putting people in harm's way.
Mayor Palmer said he issued a personal statement on his social media channels but emphasized it was not an official city position. "That was just me, that wasn't a city statement," he said, and invited residents to reach out to individual council members or the communications office with questions.
LaFollette provided contact information for the communications office and said the city does not plan to issue further collective statements on the matter. He encouraged residents who want follow‑up to call or email city hall or contact the mayor or council members individually. "If you want to talk to me, you can," LaFollette said.
The city reiterated that police will respond if a demonstration becomes unlawful or presents immediate danger, but otherwise officials must respect legal protections for speech and assembly.
The podcast hosts said this is likely the last public comment the city will make collectively on the demonstration and directed listeners to city channels for factual updates.
