City leaders on ICE concerns, community trust | Tremonton Leader

Tremonton city officials and police leadership are working to foster trust within the local community amidst heightened concerns over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in northern Utah. Tremonton-Garland Police Chief Dustin Cordova emphasized that his department’s mission remains focused on local public safety, clarifying that officers do not proactively seek out individuals based on immigration status.

The city council expressed concern about the climate of fear affecting local Latino residents, which can lead to underreporting of crimes and reduced participation in civic life. Chief Cordova reaffirmed that the department prioritizes community policing and education over enforcement, encouraging all residents to report crimes without fear of immigration consequences, while noting that criminal arrests can still lead to federal holds.

For Tremonton, maintaining a relationship of mutual trust between law enforcement and all segments of the population is viewed as essential for overall safety. By actively engaging through community events and prioritizing resident security over immigration enforcement, city leaders hope to bridge the gap and ensure that everyone feels protected and supported by local authorities.