West Valley City • A few hummed hymns under their breath and sang that “families can be together forever.” Some carried signs with scriptures about humanity and loving thy neighbor and mercy. One woman in the back of the crowd wore a T-shirt that asked: “Who would Jesus deport?”
On the holiday meant to celebrate their pioneer ancestors fleeing for asylum to the Salt Lake Valley — what was at the time (July 1847) Mexican territory — nearly 50 Latter-day Saints on Wednesday night camped outside of Utah’s biggest immigration center in protest.
“As a religion, we have a history of seeking refuge,” said Laurel Peacock.