SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Jan. 31, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — Thousands of peaceful anti-ICE demonstrators rallied in downtown Salt Lake City Friday, but four who appeared to split from the main group, along with others, were taken into custody when police say they obstructed traffic on State Street and refused to disperse.
“We want to thank everyone who came out and exercised their First Amendment rights peacefully,” according to a Salt Lake City Police statement posted on social media.
“Civil discourse is the American way, and we respect the right of our community members to make their voices heard.
“Four individuals were arrested after blocking a roadway and refusing to comply with lawful dispersal orders,” the SLCPD news release said.
“Our primary goal in these situations is always to ensure everyone’s safety, both those participating in demonstrations and those traveling through the area.”
An estimated crowd of 2,000-plus protesters marched in downtown Salt Lake City in a show of solidarity with Minneapolis, Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 Photo: Gephardt Daily / Romy Colvin
At least one of the four arrested, a 25-year-old woman, faces possible charges of:
- Assault on a peace officer in uniform: Class A misdemeanor
- Riot: Class B misdemeanor
- Interfering with a police officer: Class B misdemeanor
- Failure to disperse from riot: Class B misdemeanor
- Disorderly conduct after asked to cease: Class C misdemeanor
Salt Lake City police arrest protesters on State Street during a mass anti-ICE demonstration Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 in downtown Salt Lake City. Photo: Gephardt Daily/L.T.
A 23-year-old Utah County woman, Izzy, told Gephardt Daily she was compelled to make the trip north to join in the peaceful march.
“I’m pretty frustrated about what’s happening across the US, especially here, where my co-workers and the people I work with are scared to go to work and scared to leave their house,” Izzy said. “They’re worried — just because they look a certain way or speak a certain way — that they will be arrested. And they don’t even know if they’re going to be safe once they are arrested.”
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been widely accused of racial profiling and taking American citizens or legal immigrants into custody.
“There are some hints online that Trump is regretting some things,” Izzy said. “I think with his mouth and the fact that he doesn’t think before he speaks, I think he could say something that might make ICE change some policies or ideas.
“I’m scared that there’s no warrants,” Izzy said. “I’m scared that ICE can just go into churches and shelters and schools, and there’s no repercussions. It looks like a lot of things we see in history. I’m really scared.”
Asked what message she would like to share with the Legislators and Governor, Izzy said, “Stop focusing on little things that don’t matter instead of what really does. Like thinking about how they’re trying to rename (Harvey Milk Boulevard) the Charlie Kirk Street.
“It’s ridiculous, and I think that time and money isn’t being spent on things that impact the community.”
Izzy’s mother said she was especially proud of the young people who joined the march, some leaving their schools to do so on the so-called “National Shutdown” day.
“I’m just proud to see so many young people out supporting this cause, really,” Izzy’s mother said. “So it’s just impressive.
“And the time is now, because in the near future, it will be too late to make any changes.”
Izzy’s friend, Becky, thinks more people need to protest the actions of ICE, which include the fatal shootings of legal Minneapolis residents Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both 37.
“I pretty much just want everyone to be out here,” Becky said. “It does make a difference. It moves the needle. Even if it’s just a little bit at a time, it makes a difference.
“We’re from Utah County, where it’s mostly red (Republican), and so you feel alone. When you come up here to these, it makes you feel like you’re part of a bigger community that actually cares and wants to make a difference.”
Below, see a photo gallery from Friday’s Salt Lake City protest.
(Click to enlarge)
