Ogden council tables joint resolution on community trust until March 3 as public raises concerns about House Bill 571

The Ogden City Council on Feb. 17 agreed to table a proposed joint resolution affirming community trust until March 3 so council members and staff can review text in a recently introduced state bill, House Bill 571, that some say could require local agencies to assist federal immigration enforcement.

Several members of the public described fear among immigrant and refugee neighbors and urged the council to take steps that reassure vulnerable residents. Kim Haslam, who identified herself as the daughter of a Vietnamese refugee, said she now counsels her mother to carry her passport and memorize family phone numbers because of fear about detention. Other speakers, including Angel Castillo and Theresa Bramwell, urged the council to protect constitutional freedoms and local autonomy.

Council member Washington told the council that she and Council member Lindell held a community conversation about the proposed resolution and that meetings with administration officials have been requested but delayed while the mayor is out of town. Council member Hyer read a line from HB571 noting it "requires a state or local government agency to use the agency's best efforts to support the enforcement of federal immigration law," which prompted councilors to pause and seek further review.

The resolution was not considered on the merits at the Feb. 17 meeting; the council set a March 3 timeline to continue the conversation and to meet with administration staff and the police chief. Public commenters said they will continue to submit feedback to the council and state legislators.