HB165 establishes requirements for federal officers releasing aliens (individuals illegally present in the United States) within Utah. Before such a release, federal officers must provide written notice three business days in advance to the state’s attorney general and the local county sheriff. The notice must include the release location, date, and time, as well as any known outstanding criminal warrants against the individual being released.
The Utah State Senate passed HB165 on February 26, 2024 by a vote of 63 to 11. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because this bill upholds American sovereignty by reinforcing immigration laws and addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigration. Additionally, this measure helps protect local communities by ensuring that law enforcement is informed, and it supports the enforcement of immigration laws that safeguard the nation’s borders and uphold the rule of law, rather than enabling policies that weaken national security.