SALT LAKE CITY — A recent joint operation led by the Wasatch Back Major Crimes Task Force (WBMC) culminated in the arrest of six undocumented immigrants in connection with a series of burglaries and vehicle thefts across Wasatch and Summit counties. The operation, which took place on April 17, 2025, involved multiple law enforcement agencies and resulted in the recovery of stolen property, cash, firearms, and various types of drugs.
The investigation began in January 2025, following a noticeable increase in vehicle-related crimes reported in Heber City, Midway City, and Wasatch County. Detectives from the WBMC worked closely with the Park City Police Department after identifying a pattern of similar incidents in the Park City area. This collaborative effort was crucial in tracing the criminal activities back to specific suspects.
On April 10, police received a significant tip when a vehicle stolen from Heber City was located in Summit County. This discovery allowed law enforcement to pinpoint the residences of the suspects, leading to the execution of two search warrants in Heber City.
During the operation, detectives recovered a substantial amount of stolen property and cash believed to be linked to over a dozen burglary cases across Heber City, Park City, Wasatch County, and Summit County. The seized items included large amounts of cash, jewelry, electronics, high-end camera equipment, and various drugs such as methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and marijuana. Additionally, multiple firearms were confiscated during the searches.
The six individuals arrested were booked into the Wasatch County Jail on numerous charges, including theft, possession with intent to distribute, failure to register as a sex offender, possession of a firearm by a restricted person, forgery, and five counts of child endangerment. According to Heber Police Sgt. Josh Weishar, the charges stem from the significant value of the stolen property involved, which exceeded $5,000.
“It’ll be up to ICE if they do any sort of deportation,” Weishar stated. “As far as our agencies are concerned, it’s just these charges. Federal charges come if ICE decides to process that.” This indicates that while local law enforcement is focused on the immediate criminal charges, the federal authorities may also become involved regarding the immigration status of the suspects.
The operation was a coordinated effort that involved not only the WBMC but also Wasatch/Heber SWAT, Heber City Patrol, Park City Police investigators, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Utah Attorney General’s Office. The collaborative nature of the operation underscores the importance of interagency cooperation in tackling crime that crosses jurisdictional boundaries.
In a statement, the Heber City Police Department expressed gratitude to all detectives and agencies involved in the investigation. “We extend our gratitude to all detectives and agencies who worked diligently on this investigation and continue working to return the recovered property to its rightful owners,” they said. Special thanks were also given to the Wasatch/Heber SWAT team and other supporting agencies for their critical role in the operation.
The series of burglaries and thefts that prompted this investigation had been ongoing since January, with police noting that the incidents were not isolated to one area but rather spanned several cities and counties. The timely intervention by law enforcement has not only resulted in arrests but also in the recovery of stolen items that can now be returned to their rightful owners.
As communities across Wasatch and Summit counties breathe a sigh of relief following these arrests, the operation highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing crime, particularly when it involves undocumented individuals. The complexities of such cases often require a careful balance between enforcing the law and addressing the broader implications of immigration status.
In summary, the concerted efforts of the WBMC and its partner agencies have led to a significant breakthrough in a string of thefts that had plagued the region for months. The successful arrests and recovery of stolen property serve as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and law enforcement collaboration in maintaining public safety.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to delve deeper into the connections between the arrested individuals and the broader network of criminal activity in the area. This case serves as a critical example of how local law enforcement can effectively respond to crime through teamwork and strategic planning.
