Protest march in Ephraim last week draws dozens opposing ICE actions

Local activists and concerned citizens gather outside Ephraim City Hall to protest actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Photo courtesy Veronika Tait.

EPHRAIM — About 72 people gathered outside Ephraim City Hall on Friday, Jan. 23, to protest actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The protest, titled “ICE out for Good,” ran from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and was part of a nationwide series of demonstrations opposing ICE policies and enforcement practices, according to event organizer Paul Gardner. Participants traveled from communities across Sanpete County and ranged in age from young children to seniors, Gardner said.
Demonstrators held signs, sang protest songs and voiced concerns about immigration enforcement, civil liberties and federal spending on ICE. Gardner described the gathering as peaceful and said turnout exceeded what he had told city officials to expect.
One attendee, Sanpete County resident Alex Peterson, said the protest marked a rare departure from his usual civic activity.
“As a parent and as an educator, I’m not someone who regularly attends protests,” Peterson said. “I went because I could no longer stay silent about Donald Trump and the actions of ICE.”
Peterson said his decision to attend was shaped by personal relationships with immigrants, including students and friends.
“I have students and friends who fled their home countries to save themselves and their families,” he said. “They came to the United States seeking safety.”
Peterson explained that he supports law but believes enforcement should meet higher standards.
“I believe in the rule of law, and also in accountability, transparency, and professionalism in how it is enforced,” Peterson said. “We can do better, America.”
He said the diversity of those at the protest stood out to him.
“It was interesting and humbling to stand beside the protesters in Ephraim,” Peterson said. “Veterans. Workers. Citizens. Students. A group of Native American students and one with a sign reminding us that most of us are immigrants.”
Gardner said the Ephraim protest will not be the last. He said the local group plans to continue participating in future nationwide demonstrations opposing ICE.