Homeland Security arrests in Park City prompt message from sheriff

Homeland Security arrests in Park City prompt message from sheriff

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PARK CITY — Four people were arrested in Park City over the weekend by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Enforcement and Removal Operations division, according to the Summit County Sheriff's Office.

But Sheriff Justin Martinez issued a statement Sunday morning saying he was told this was not a "sweep" or roundup of people in the country illegally.

"The ERO has stated these types of activities are not uncommon, and not considered a sweep or raid, but rather are part of their normal enforcement operations. There are no other confirmed reports of targeted enforcement operations within Park City or Summit County at large," he said.

Still, because of the current political climate created by the federal immigration policy, which Martinez said has created heightened fears, anxiety and confusion among many citizens, he believed it was necessary to release a statement.

"Both I and the Summit County Council greatly value a diverse citizenry that bring multiple cultures, ideas and perspectives toward making Summit County the vibrant and healthy county we all call our home. We strongly encourage all residents to extend kindness and sensitivity to all individuals during this time of heightened awareness and uncertainty," he said. "From a law enforcement perspective, it is important to know that my role as the county sheriff is to ensure the safety and well-being of all county residents. Under current laws and the U.S. Constitution, all individuals in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have rights that I have been sworn to uphold."

Martinez said he was notified about 6 p.m. Saturday by the Park City Police Department of "targeted operations" being conducted in Park City by the federal government on Friday.

The immigration issue has also been addressed in previous weeks by several of the state's top law enforcers.

Earlier this month, Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder assured it was business as usual at the Salt Lake County Jail. But like Martinez, he has received numerous calls from people who are worried.

"I've got citizens calling me and they are scared,” he said.

Street level officers from the Unified Police Department are not rounding up citizens living in the country illegally, Winder said.

A week before Winder made his statements, Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski and Police Chief Mike Brown stood alongside advocates and other elected officials to declare the city won't be changing the way it treats immigrants and refugees.

Martinez said if any Summit County residents have questions or concerns about Friday's arrests, they should contact the ERO Salt Lake City field office at 801-886-7400 or SaltLakeCity.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov.

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Pat Reavy

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