Utah governor urges balance as immigration debate intensifies

Gov. Spencer Cox reaffirmed Utah's approach of balancing rule of law with dignity, while the Republican-led Legislature opened its 2026 session with bills that would limit immigrants' access to benefits, driving privileges and some services.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox reaffirmed the state's approach to immigration, saying leaders should balance enforcement with treating people with dignity. The Republican-led Legislature opened its 2026 general session with several bills aimed at restricting access to certain benefits, housing and driving privileges for immigrants. A Democratic senator filed legislation to limit local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement at sensitive locations. Lawmakers and committees are holding hearings as the measures move through the session. Key developments: - Governor Spencer Cox said Utah seeks to uphold the rule of law while treating people with dignity and urged caution in changing current policies. - Legislators have introduced proposals that would affect driving privilege programs, verification of lawful presence for some services, and processes for checking citizenship in voter registration. - The 2026 general session is underway and bills are being discussed in hearings and caucus meetings; outcomes remain undetermined. Summary: The state is debating multiple immigration-related proposals that would change access to services and administrative checks. Lawmakers are actively considering those measures during the 2026 general session, and the final outcomes are undetermined at this time.