Operation Rio Grande

Part of the operation included an order from Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski, shutting down Rio Grande Street permanently to vehicles and pedestrians to create a drug free zone.

[2] Mayor Biskupski stalled the closure for three weeks while she took public comment and went through city processes.

[4][5][6] The operation has led to over 1000 arrests[7] including persons that are homeless, and drug dealers.

Out of the over 1000 people arrested, 676 non-violent offenders were released because of jail overcrowding, ability to obtain bail or to attend court dates.

[13] It is also causing spillover into southern Utah and authorities there are worried about collateral impact such as theft, vandalism, loitering, trespassing, drug dealing, public intoxication, and violence.

[14] Utah House Speaker Greg Hughes and Department of Public Safety Commissioner Keith Squires also emphasized that the law enforcement prong of Operation Rio Grande—its name aside—won't be confined to the Rio Grande area.