Several legislators are running bills this legislative session that would impact public safety and the southern border crisis. The bills address such things as organized crime, fentanyl, detention capacity, unlicensed drivers, human trafficking and more. 

“The record number of people who crossed the border during the last few years is impacting states all across the country, including Utah,” said Rep. Karianne Lisonbee, R-Dist. 14.

Every state is now a border state, she said. “We welcome all who come here legally wishing to call Utah and the U.S. home. It’s part of our culture to welcome people who come here to search for a better life, to work hard, obey the law and to be part of our community. However, the chaos of the southern border has put serious strains on our communities, public safety, resources, education systems and more.”

Legislators are working on a package of bills to support local communities and address the public safety impacts of the southern border crisis on Utah, she said. “I want to underscore that this approach focused on public safety has widespread support. For example, a recent poll by the Deseret News found that 86% of Utahns support deporting illegal immigrants who commit crimes in the United States.”

“I represent the Herriman and Riverton area,” said Rep. Candice Pierucci, R-Dist. 49. “This issue has especially impacted the southwest corner of the valley over the past two years as we’ve experienced a massive uptick in migrants relocating to our area. It’s been so significant that the Wall Street Journal reached out to me over the summer asking what was going on in Herriman.”

In just three years immigration cases have climbed to nearly 13,000 from 752 in 2020, she said. “This has put a massive strain on our community and has been unparalleled.”

Riverton City has had to triple its budget to cover the cost of translation services and its Justice Court to meet the growing needs of non-English speaking populations, said Pierucci. “We have had many schools that have seen over 126% increase in non-English speaking students, which has created massive challenges in trying to meet the needs of those students with existing capacity and resources.” 

Pierucci said she will be building on the work that representatives have done in running legislation to increase the penalties for human trafficking. “We’ve seen an uptick in that as well. It’s critical that we’re cracking down on crime and working hand in hand with President Trump’s administration to expedite the process of exporting criminals who have entered our country either illegally or manipulated and abused our country's immigration system, who have come to America and then done harm to the public.”

Other proposed bills include repeat offenders, e-verify, property rights, foreign wire transfer fee and English language learners.

The 2025 Legislative Session started Jan. 21 and ends March 7. λ