Anti-ICE facility protests
Rumors have persisted for several months now that Immigrations and Custom Enforcement (ICE) was looking to open a detention facility here in Utah. Newer claims surfaced, reportedly detailing how the center was proposed to be built west of the Salt Lake City International Airport near 6800 West and 1100 North.
Those claims led to a protest on January 16th at that location, with dozens turning out to make their voices heard that they did not want an ICE facility here in Salt Lake. Mayor Erin Mendenhall has said that to house such a facility at the rumored location would violate city code, and municipal leaders have voiced concerns over the size and impact of such a facility. While they had not heard of formal plans at the time, Westside lawmakers have vowed to keep tabs on any developments they were made aware of.
The owners of the property at the center of all of this, the Ritchie Group, issued a statement on January 24th, saying they would not sell or lease the property to the federal government. “The Ritchie Group is proud to be a family owned business and has been building our communities since 1973. The Ritchie group and its investors have no plans to sell or lease the property in question to the federal government. The Ritchie group remains committed to investing in a safe, prosperous, and thriving Utah. We call on and encourage all Utahns and our elected leaders to engage in civil and respectful dialogue.”
While this statement appears to debunk the rumored proposal, the strong and swift response in opposition to a potential detention facility from Utah residents points to growing concerns about federal immigration agents’ presence in the state and the increasing tension stemming from conflicts with federal agents across the nation.
Photos submitted
Shooting memorial
Memorials in honor of those who were shot and those who were killed sit behind a Tongan meetinghouse for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Redwood Road near 700 North. Two people died in the shooting outside a funeral service on January 7, 2026: 38-year-old Sione Vatuvei and 46-year-old Vaea Tulikihihifo. Several more were injured and are still recovering.
The Salt Lake City Police Department has resources available for those who witnessed the tragedy. Those who need assistance are invited to call 801-580-7969 or email victim.advocates@slc.gov. Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact SLCPD at 801-799-3000. All tips are confidential.
Our hearts go out to the many Westside communities and residents devastated by this act of senseless violence. Our community is strong and resilient, and we will push on supporting each other as best we can.
Photos by Andy Cupp
Britni’s Bakery
Located along 1000 North and between 1200 and 1300 West in Rose Park, Britni’s Bakery offers small-batch tasty treats, soups, and breads. Britni’s Bakery is situated in the car port of a home and is set up on a self-pay “trust” system. All items are hand made with love.
Swing by and peruse her selection yourself!
Photos by Angie Toone
Westside Scavenger Hunt
Looking for something fun and different to do during the colder months? Salt Lake City is rolling out new community-created artwork and a special scavenger hunt so residents can get to know the new community art better. Now through February 15th, Westsiders can participate in the special scavenger hunt.
In the scavenger hunt, Westsiders are invited to take pictures of places where they struggle to get around. This could be a railroad crossing, a busy intersection, or other places where routes of transportation are blocked. Take a picture of the spot, upload it to the city’s interactive map, and then write what you’d do to fix that spot and make it better to navigate.
Each photo added gets you an entry into a drawing for West-East Connections Project swag.
Additionally, join the unveiling of a new community art installation on 900 South on February 5th and a slew of community events on February 5th and 12th.
Photo courtesy of Salt Lake City