Residents demand review of ICE holding-room permit as council says staff is investigating

Residents at the Ogden City Council meeting on April 7 pressed the council and mayor to require a formal written review of the conditional use permit (CUP) for an ICE holding room at 2487 South 1620 West, arguing the facility’s operations have changed since the permit was issued 25 years ago.

Several public commenters, including Sarah and William Mitchell, said they have evidence that the facility is being used outside the permit’s stated hours and holding people past permitted times. “At the very least, you have the power to bring them in and ask them questions,” Mitchell said, urging the council to seek accountability and a new CUP if necessary.

Supporters of a formal review cited an ICE memo changing nationwide holding guidance to 72 hours and said that operational shifts should trigger a fresh determination from city staff. Planning expert Angel Castillo pointed to a June 24, 2025 ICE memo and said the directive changes the duration and purpose of holds and therefore merits a re-examination of whether the original CUP still applies.

Mayor responded that the city has forwarded council questions to administration and directed staff to treat the allegations consistent with other code enforcement matters. He said the fire department conducted a drive-by inspection and that the Weber-Morgan County Health Department completed a field visit; the county inspector is compiling a written report. “We have looked into it and haven't been able to validate that evidence,” the mayor said, adding that staff will follow up if specific, substantiated violations are found.

Council members explained limits on the council’s role: the legislative body does not administer or routinely enforce CUPs, which are administered by city staff. Several council speakers, including Councilmember Lundell and Councilmember Washington, said they had sent questions to staff and are awaiting documented responses about sprinklering, inspections and whether the use now qualifies as an institutional or custodial facility under current code.

Community members urged additional steps if staff finds noncompliance. Thor Dorosh and others read portions of the original CUP minutes and asserted that conditions such as ‘no overnight detention’ and limits on processing times should be enforced. Josh Creek and others asked whether the council had requested records of emergency calls, medical transports, or arrest logs connected to the address.

The mayor said the city also has met with the local ICE office and the Weber County sheriff to compare accounts and that those meetings informed the city’s initial assessment. He noted the practical limits of local authority under the federal supremacy clause but said the city can enforce building, fire and health codes that are generally applicable to all landlords and operators.

What’s next: staff will compile inspection reports and a written determination on CUP compliance, Weber-Morgan County health inspectors are finalizing their field report, and the council said it will continue the conversation in upcoming work sessions. No ordinance or formal council action on the CUP was taken at the meeting.