Voces de Utah
Most Recent

Utah family says they were targeted in racially-motivated verbal assault
Garna Mejia, KSL-TV | Posted March 6 - 7:18 a.m. | Save Story
A Utah father is speaking out after a stranger verbally attacked his family. Mario Garcia feels the aggressor's actions were racially motivated.

West Valley City US citizenship program at risk due to federal funding freeze
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted March 4 - 7:37 p.m. | Save Story
A federal funding freeze geared to organizations that serve immigrants is putting the future of the ESL Center's U.S. citizenship program at risk.

As lawmakers weigh 10 immigration bills, the foe of one fears it'll hit legal immigrants hardest
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted March 3 - 9:03 p.m. | Save Story
As Utah lawmakers weigh 10 immigration bills in the final days of the legislative session, the foe of one fears it'll hit legal immigrants the hardest.

'This is a crime': Immigration lawyers warn of fraudsters preying on nervous immigrants
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted March 2 - 10:30 a.m. | Save Story
With the heightened focus on deporting immigrants here illegally, their advocates are warning of fraudsters preying on nervous immigrants seeking legal help.

Spice Kitchen Incubator helps launch woman-owned Dominican restaurant
Gabriela Fletcher, KSL.com | Posted March 1 - 12:11 p.m. | Save Story
Spice Kitchen Incubator helped launch Hispaniola Bistro, a woman-owned Dominican eatery business, on Thursday.

Pared-down measure targeting criminal immigrants gets committee OK after earlier 'no' vote
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 28 - 8:39 p.m. | Save Story
A bill meant to ease deportation of criminal immigrants mustered committee support after a "no" vote earlier this week, though critics say it could impact immigrants here lawfully.

Utah bill aimed at criminal immigrants stalls amid worries about its impact on legal immigrants
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 26 - 9:47 p.m. | Save Story
A bill targeting immigrants in the country illegally has stalled in a Senate committee amid worries it could adversely impact legal immigrants, as well.

Poll: Most object to Trump's push to end birthright citizenship but favor other immigration moves
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 24 - 3:03 p.m. | Save Story
Most disapprove of President Trump's push to end birthright citizenship but favor other moves aimed at immigrants here illegally, Pew Research Center surveying shows.

Utah woman offered to bless items for money, but never returned property, police say
Pat Reavy, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 21 - 1:01 p.m. | Save Story
A Syracuse woman was arrested Thursday after police say she charged large fees to bless personal items such as jewelry or cash but pocketed the fees and kept the items.

US-Mexico border encounters for January dipped amid increased moves to halt illegal immigration
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 20 - 7:11 p.m. | Save Story
Immigrant encounters by U.S. officials at the U.S.-Mexico border dipped in January to the lowest level since late 2021 amid heightened moves to halt illegal immigration.

Senate committee OKs bill aimed at immigrants thought to be involved in organized crime
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 18 - 1:26 p.m. | Save Story
A Senate committee is recommending approval of a measure targeting immigrants here illegally suspected of involvement in organized crime.

14 Utah school systems could apply for funding help for English-language learners
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 15 - 9:01 p.m. | Save Story
Fourteen Utah school systems would be eligible to apply for extra funds to help kids who are learning to speak English if HB42 passes.

Utah lawmaker defends bill allocating extra funds for English-language learners despite pushback
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 13 - 7:11 p.m. | Save Story
Despite some pushback, a Utah representative is defending HB42, which would allocate extra funds for English-language learners as a way of aiding teachers.

'You're being detained': Woman recounts brother's arrest in Magna by immigration officials
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 9 - 8:26 a.m. | Save Story
As reports of immigration arrests multiply, a Magna woman recounts the arrest of her brother, now facing deportation to Mexico, and the impact it's had.

'Connect with community': Millcreek art show spotlights Wasatch Front-inspired pieces
Cassidy Wixom, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 8 - 12:54 p.m. | Save Story
Miriam Gutierrez loves seeing the diverse artwork all inspired from the same local geography. She is one of 18 artists whose works are on display at the Art Market at Millcreek Common.

Community volunteers to showcase culture in annual Oaxaca en Utah fashion show
Gabriela Fletcher, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 7 - 9:26 p.m. | Save Story
Models, designers, performers and more will participate in a fashion show hosted by the Oaxaca en Utah organization on Sunday in Taylorsville.

Immigrant advocates ask leaders to affirm Utah's 'tradition of welcoming immigrants and refugees'
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 7 - 8:02 a.m. | Save Story
Utah immigrant advocates are pressing leaders to affirm the state's 'tradition of welcoming immigrants and refugees' as the U.S. crackdown on illegal immigration unfolds.

Utah House unanimously OKs bill increasing funding for English-language learners
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 6 - 8:36 p.m. | Save Story
The Utah House unanimously approved a bill earmarking $500,000 a year in extra funding to help schools deal with increasing numbers of English-language learners.

Herriman anti-immigrant demonstration spurs counterprotest to 'celebrate our diverse community'
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 6 - 7:38 p.m. | Save Story
An anti-immigrant demonstration last week in Herriman spurred plans for a counterprotest on Saturday to "celebrate our diverse community."

Venezuelans in Utah decry Trump administration decision ending deportation protections
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 6 - 3:22 p.m. | Save Story
Venezuelans in Utah are decrying the Trump administration decision to halt the program that had granted 350,000 Venezuelans around the country deportation protections.

US ending protected status for Venezuelans; memo cites 'notable improvements' in country
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 3 - 9:27 p.m. | Save Story
The Trump administration is ending protected status for nearly 350,000 Venezuelans, citing, in part, "notable improvements" in the South American country.

Utah businesses close their doors for a day in national show of support for immigrants
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Updated Feb. 3 - 4:36 p.m. | Save Story
Several Utah businesses shut their doors Monday as a show of support for immigrants as President Trump's crackdown on immigrants who are in the nation illegally unfolds.

'Consternation in the community': Venezuelans in Utah on edge after decision on protected status
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 30 - 7:11 p.m. | Save Story
Many Venezuelans in Utah are on edge after the Trump administration decision rescinding protected status for some from the country, an immigration attorney says.

'Love, law and family unity': Church of Jesus Christ issues immigration statement
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 30 - 6:15 p.m. | Save Story
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement on immigration Thursday, saying its guiding principles on the matter center on 'love, law and family unity."

Demonstrators gather again, worried about the rights of immigrants, marginalized groups
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 29 - 7:32 p.m. | Save Story
Demonstrators worried about the rights of immigrants and historically marginalized groups protested at the Utah Capitol, and more activity is in the works.

Utah refugee advocates worry about an uptick in hostility after Trump's return to office
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 29 - 5:04 p.m. | Save Story
Advocates for Utah's refugee community worry about an uptick in hostility toward the group after President Donald Trump's return to office.

Utah lawmakers recommend approval of bill boosting funds for students still learning English
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 28 - 8:01 p.m. | Save Story
Utah lawmakers have recommended passage of a bill boosting funding to schools dealing with spikes in immigrant students and others still learning English.

As immigration enforcement action rises, Utah will focus on 'anybody with criminal activity'
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 28 - 6:16 a.m. | Save Story
As immigration enforcement action takes off elsewhere around the country, Utah officials' efforts will be focused on "anybody with criminal activity."

Unconfirmed reports of enforcement action spark alarm as Trump immigration crackdown unfolds
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 25 - 12:12 p.m. | Save Story
Unconfirmed reports of enforcement action across Utah are sparking alarm for some as President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown unfolds.

Utah bill targeting squatters, one of several aimed at illegal immigration, gets committee support
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 23 - 10:09 a.m. | Save Story
A bill targeting squatters, spurred in part by worries about Latino immigrants taking over vacant dwellings, has received a positive committee recommendation.

Salt Lake, Ogden schools say immigrant students are welcome after Trump flips policy on raids
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 23 - 6:20 a.m. | Save Story
Salt Lake City and Ogden school officials sent out assurances saying immigrant students are welcome after the Trump administration flipped U.S. policy on raids in "sensitive locations."

As Trump takes power, critics gathered at the Utah Capitol to protest
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 20 - 7:46 p.m. | Save Story
Following Trump's inauguration Monday, hundreds of demonstrators gathered at the Utah Capitol to protest the new president.

Mexican consul in Utah monitoring immigration issue, awaiting clearer sign of what Trump plans
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 18 - 7:48 a.m. | Save Story
The Mexican consul in Utah is monitoring the immigration issue, like many, awaiting a clearer sign of what President-elect Donald Trump plans as his inauguration is upcoming.

Utah Republicans weighing at least 10 measures tied to illegal immigration
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 17 - 6:16 a.m. | Save Story
As the start of Utah's 2025 legislative session looms, Utah Republicans are weighing at least 10 measures tied to illegal immigration.

Ogden officials OK new program meant to help immigrants become US citizens
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 16 - 5:04 p.m. | Save Story
The Ogden City Council has formalized creation of a new program meant to help legal permanent residents take the next steps to become U.S. citizens.

'For 18 months, they'll be OK': DHS extends protected status for Venezuelans, Salvadorans
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 15 - 8:02 a.m. | Save Story
The Department of Homeland Security has extended the temporary protected status designations for Venezuelans and El Salvadorans by 18 months.

Newly elected Black and Latino officials take office in Utah, representing historic firsts
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 9 - 8:35 p.m. | Save Story
Two newly elected Black officials and two newly elected Latinos took office this week, representing historic firsts in Utah.

Suazo Business Center gets new board members to help in its efforts to aid Latino entrepreneurs
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 9 - 5:52 p.m. | Save Story
Suazo Business Center has named six new board members, meant to help the organization fine-tune its approach to helping Latino and other minority entrepreneurs.

Family reeling after car crash kills woman, a recent arrival after trek from South America
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Dec. 24 - 5:00 p.m. | Save Story
The family of a woman who recently reached the United States after an arduous trek from South America is reeling after her death in a West Valley car crash.

'This has been my life': Redwood Swap Meet to close Sunday as site redevelopment looms
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Dec. 21 - 9:04 p.m. | Save Story
The Redwood Swap Meet, a weekend open air market that caters to a largely Latino base, is to close Sunday as redevelopment of the West Valley City site looms.

Utah Latinos hosting holiday gathering to promote unity, spread cheer
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Dec. 20 - 4:31 p.m. | Save Story
A contingent of Utah Latinos is hosting a holiday gathering in Sandy, We are Latinos, which is meant to promote unity and spread cheer.

Growth of Utah's Venezuelan population far outpaces expansion from other nations, data shows
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Dec. 17 - 8:17 a.m. | Save Story
The growth of the Venezuelan population in Utah outpaces the number of people coming from other nations by a wide margin, new data shows.

Venezuelan gang is in Utah, officials say, but its footprint 'is not extensive'
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Dec. 14 - 9:46 a.m. | Save Story
Tren de Aragua is present in Utah, as shown by recent incidents in Millcreek and Herriman, officials say, but the Venezuelan gang's footprint here "is not extensive."

'A joyful way to celebrate the season': Catholics hosting Las Posadas events across Utah
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Dec. 13 - 9:11 p.m. | Save Story
Utah's Catholics will be hosting Las Posadas events, a Christmastime tradition strongly rooted in Mexico, across the state ahead of Christmas.

Farmington students volunteer to knit hats to help keep senior citizens in Ecuador warm
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Dec. 13 - 5:39 p.m. | Save Story
Students at a Farmington school have knitted more than 110 hats, inspired by their teacher, to help keep a contingent of senior citizens in Ecuador warm.

Immigrant advocates offer advice amid deportation talk: Have a family plan, know your rights
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Dec. 13 - 8:44 a.m. | Save Story
Attorneys and advocates hosted a gathering to advise immigrants and their families to know their rights and be prepared amid talk of mass deportations.

Salt Lake City leaders pressed on immigration issue as deportation talk intensifies
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Dec. 12 - 7:39 p.m. | Save Story
Salt Lake City leaders are facing pressure on the immigration issue by immigrant advocates as President-elect Donald Trump's deportation talk intensifies.

Utah immigrant advocates hosting 'Know Your Rights' sessions amid Trump's deportation plans
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Dec. 6 - 8:32 p.m. | Save Story
Advocates for Utah's immigrant community are hosting "Know Your Rights" sessions in Salt Lake City, Provo and Ogden in response to Trump's deportation plans.

Peruvian lawmakers, business officials visit Utah to bolster commercial ties
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Dec. 4 - 10:02 a.m. | Save Story
A contingent of Peruvian lawmakers and others are on a trade mission to Utah, hoping to bolster U.S. ties as China's presence grows in the South American nation.

Most Americans favor letting certain immigrants stay in the US legally, survey shows
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Dec. 2 - 2:46 p.m. | Save Story
Most Americans favor allowing immigrants already in the U.S. illegally to stay under certain conditions and attain legal status, a new survey shows.

Redwood Swap Meet vendors have to be out by Dec. 22 as redevelopment edges ahead
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Dec. 1 - 7:16 a.m. | Save Story
Vendors at Redwood Swap Meet, a focus of intense debate over proposed redevelopment, have to leave by Dec. 22 as a housing project edges forward.

Utah-based company's outreach effort leads to construction of 52 new homes in Mexico
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Nov. 28 - 9:00 p.m. | Save Story
Volunteers with Utah-based Vivint's charitable arm traveled to Guadalajara, Mexico, last month and helped build 52 new homes for families in need.

'A message of fear': Immigrant advocates decry Cox's plans to assist in deportations
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Nov. 27 - 12:01 p.m. | Save Story
Some immigrant advocates are decrying Gov. Spencer Cox's initiative to crack down on people here illegally in concert with President-elect Trump's deportation plans.

US-Mexico encounters fall as border activity slows while deportations rise, new data shows
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Nov. 23 - 5:02 p.m. | Save Story
U.S.-Mexico border encounters are down as border activity slows while deportations of immigrants here illegally are on the rise, new figures show.

Utah's Latino Trump backers cite economics, border issues in support for him
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Nov. 16 - 9:06 p.m. | Save Story
Some of Utah's Latino Trump backers say they support him due to economic concerns and jitters over border security, same as other adherents.

Mexican films to be featured at Salt Lake Film Society's FILMéxico film festival
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Nov. 13 - 8:32 p.m. | Save Story
A collection of Mexican movies will be featured at FILMéxico, a festival organized by the Salt Lake Film Society that starts on Thursday.

Utah immigrant advocates say election results have prompted fear, concern in the community
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Nov. 13 - 11:04 a.m. | Save Story
Utah immigrant advocates say Donald Trump's presidential win has prompted fear and concern in the community given his tough talk of cracking down on immigrants here illegally.

Utah's Salvadoran community marking International Pupusa Day to honor the food staple
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Nov. 8 - 6:02 p.m. | Save Story
Utah's Salvadoran community is marking what it dubs International Pupusa Day with activities meant to honor the food staple of the Central American nation.

Minority hopefuls on cusp of winning, augmenting the diversity of Utah's slate of elected leaders
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Nov. 8 - 12:04 p.m. | Save Story
Several minority hopefuls are on the cusp of winning as ballot counting from Tuesday's vote winds down, adding to the diversity of Utah's slate of elected leaders.
CONNECTED COMMUNITIES
Stay current on local Latino/Hispanic events, news and stories when you subscribe to the Voces de Utah newsletter.
By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's
Terms of Use
and Privacy Policy.
