ICE operation in Summit County confirmed by Sheriff’s Office

Images provided by a resident show law enforcement activity near Kimball Junction early Tuesday morning. Photo: via TownLift

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Federal immigration agents conducted a targeted operation in Summit County early Tuesday morning, according to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO). The sheriff’s office could not confirm where the operation took place, but a resident reported witnessing two people being physically detained by officers in unmarked vehicles near Kimball Junction.

The sheriff’s office said it was notified early Tuesday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) intended to operate within Summit County but local deputies were not involved in the operation. Summit County Sheriff’s Public Information Officer, Skyler Talbot, said ICE did not share details about specific locations, timing, or targets, which they described as typical.

“A few hours after they let us know they were going to be here, they notified us that they had concluded their operation and were leaving the county,” Talbot said. The notification that ICE had left came around 8 a.m.

Talbot said, “If they are operating within the county, it’s proper for them to notify us when, when they arrive, when they leave, and whether or not they need any assistance.” In this instance, he said no assistance was requested from the sheriff’s office.

TownLift received a tip that included photos and video taken around 6:50 a.m. near the Walmart area in Kimball Junction. The resident said they observed four unmarked vehicles with police lights stop a car and remove two people from inside. The vehicles were described as having license plates from Utah, Nevada and Montana.

The resident characterized the encounter as involving “lots of physical and verbal assault.” TownLift was not able to confirm the identities of those involved.

Sheriff’s officials acknowledged that immigration enforcement actions can cause fear and anxiety in the community.

“We’re very sensitive to the fact that this can be unsettling,” Talbot said. “Our goal is for everyone to be as safe as possible.”

Talbot emphasized that ICE has legal authority to operate within Summit County and that the sheriff’s office does not have the authority to stop federal enforcement actions. However, they encouraged residents who are concerned about the legitimacy of law enforcement activity to contact the sheriff’s office.

“If there’s a concern about whether an agency is legitimate, people can always call us,” Talbot said. “At a citizen’s request, we can send a deputy to try to deconflict as best we can.”

The sheriff’s office urged community members to avoid escalation during law enforcement encounters and to prioritize safety.

TownLift was not able to obtain a comment from ICE about an operation in Summit County this morning or whom they detained.

TownLift will update this story as more information becomes available.