As concerns grow within Utah’s immigrant community, local advocates are stepping in with a new initiative designed to support immigrants who fear deportation while attending routine court hearings. The program aims to reduce anxiety and ensure immigrants do not feel alone when appearing in criminal or immigration courts.
The effort is being organized by the Salt Lake Community Bail Fund, working alongside several other Utah-based advocacy groups.
Purpose of the Court Support Initiative
Liz Maryon, one of the leaders behind the new court support program, explained that the immediate focus is on helping immigrants who feel targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement during court appearances.
The program will provide:
- Companionship for immigrants attending immigration hearings and criminal court cases
- Assistance with emergency preparedness in case of detention or deportation
- Education on immigrant rights
- Emotional and community-based support during stressful legal processes
According to Maryon, volunteers will attend hearings where permitted and act as observers, ensuring transparency and accountability.
December Protest Highlights Ongoing Concerns
Maryon also took part in a December 8 protest outside the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services building in Salt Lake City. The demonstration was intended to show solidarity with immigrants attending routine appointments related to legal status adjustments.
During the protest, advocates monitored entrances and exits to document any possible ICE detentions. No arrests were reported that day, but fears surrounding enforcement actions helped accelerate plans for the court support program.
Advocates Criticize Immigration Enforcement
Maryon and other immigrant advocates strongly criticize ICE, arguing that immigration enforcement unfairly targets immigrant communities. She emphasized that the goal of the program is to demonstrate that Utah supports immigrants and to challenge what advocates view as unjust enforcement practices.
At the national level, increased immigration enforcement under Donald Trump has intensified debate. Supporters of stricter enforcement argue it protects public resources and safety, while critics say it fuels fear and discrimination.
ICE has publicly defended its actions, stating that enforcing federal immigration law is lawful and necessary. The agency has also claimed that assaults on immigration agents have increased significantly, blaming what it calls “violent rhetoric” from critics.
Clear Limits on Volunteer Actions
Despite strong rhetoric in promotional materials, organizers stress that the court support program will not interfere with law enforcement actions. Volunteers are trained specifically to observe, document, and support—never to obstruct arrests or detentions.
Maryon made it clear that participants are instructed to:
- Avoid physical or legal interference
- Focus on documentation and awareness
- Provide non-confrontational support to immigrants and families
The Salt Lake Community Bail Fund continues to center its broader mission on reforming what it views as an unfair money bail system that disproportionately affects low-income individuals and people of color.
Organizations Backing the Program
Several well-known advocacy groups are supporting the initiative, including:
- American Civil Liberties Union of Utah
- Black Lives Matter Utah
- Utah Immigrant Advocacy Coalition
- Comunidades Unidas
Their involvement strengthens the program’s legal awareness, community reach, and volunteer base.
Training and Growing Volunteer Interest
The first volunteer training session was held on December 13, and organizers report strong interest. Maryon said the program expects to begin offering multiple volunteer shifts within weeks, with plans to expand further as participation grows.
Immigrants have already begun contacting organizers to learn how the court support program works and how they can request assistance.
Volunteers may either accompany individuals to hearings or attend court locations as independent observers, helping document enforcement activity and provide reassurance.
