ICE enforcement escalates

A video showing ICE agents entering a Rose Park home and arresting a man has sparked national attention as immigration enforcement continues to intensify. At the same time, Salt Lake City’s immigration court is rapidly accelerating deportation cases, making it more important than ever for immigrants and their neighbors to understand their rights.

• What happened: Video appears to show ICE agents restraining Raul Moreno Meza and his teenage son inside their home. The son was later released, while the father remains in ICE custody. The family says agents never identified themselves or presented a warrant before entering the home. [KUER]
• How the court is fast-tracking deportations: SLC’s immigration court is now hearing up to 130 cases a day (about double what was typical just months ago), while also moving hearings years ahead of schedule with little notice. Attorneys warn that missed court dates, even unknowingly, can result in deportation orders. [KUER]
• What to do if you have a case: Check your case status daily through the Executive Office for Immigration Review, update your address immediately, attend every hearing, and seek legal help if possible. [AILA Utah Chapter]
• Know your rights: You have the right to remain silent, the right to speak with a lawyer before signing anything, and the right to receive information in a language you understand. Immigration agents generally cannot enter your home or other private areas without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. [ACLU Utah]
• Call your representatives: If you want to weigh in on federal immigration policy, organizations like 5 Calls provide contact information and pre-written scripts (if you get nervous) to help you easily reach out to our elected officials. [5 Calls]
• Protests continue: A protest is planned for Wednesday, July 15 at the proposed ICE detention center in Salt Lake City (5600 W. 300 S.) [Instagram]

Outdoor Cat Seeks New Home

Are you in the market for a sweet and extremely independent kitty? Meet Oreo. One of our readers is moving out of the country and needs to rehome him. [Adopt a Pet]

Your New SLC Councilmember

District 4 in Salt Lake City stretches from downtown to the University of Utah, and it has a new city councilmember: Jennifer Napier-Pearce. What are her plans for a critical part of our city? [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Amateur Pie Baking Contest

This year’s Pie and Beer Day celebration in the Ballpark neighborhood includes an amateur pie baking contest with a $100 cash prize. Whip something up for the annual alternative to the state’s July 24 Pioneer Day holiday. [Official Pie and Beer Day]

The Lego Fight Keeps Escalating

A dispute between popular YouTuber “Reckless Ben,” local Lego reseller Bricks & Minifigs, and an 83-year old man is reaching new levels every day in American Fork, Utah, as Ben’s videos now take on the local police department. [Salt Lake Tribune]

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