1. United States
2. Utah
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the reported plans for constructing an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Utah. This facility, which could house up to 10,000 people, would be one of six new centers across the country. I urge you to take immediate action to prevent this from happening in our state. The proposed detention center, described as a 'soft-sided tent' facility, raises serious concerns about the humane treatment of detainees and the impact on our local communities. The use of $10 billion through the U.S. Navy for rapid construction of these centers is an alarming misuse of resources that could be better allocated to address the root causes of immigration issues or to improve our existing infrastructure. The scale of this project is staggering. A facility capable of holding 10,000 individuals would be one of the largest detention centers in the country. This massive influx of detainees would place an enormous strain on local resources, including healthcare, legal services, and social support systems. Furthermore, the rushed nature of this project, with construction potentially beginning as early as next month, suggests a lack of proper planning and community consultation. This haste could lead to overlooking crucial safety and human rights considerations. I implore you to stand against this proposal. Utah should not be complicit in a system that risks violating human rights and dignity. Instead, I ask that you advocate for comprehensive immigration reform that addresses the complex issues at hand without resorting to mass detention. Please use your position to demand transparency from the Department of Homeland Security regarding these plans. We need a full public disclosure of the intended locations, the environmental impact, and the long-term implications for our communities. Our state deserves better than to be known for housing what amounts to a modern-day internment camp. I urge you to oppose this plan vigorously and to work towards more humane and effective immigration policies that reflect our values as Utahns and as Americans.