License Plate And Sparks State Investigation
A Utah vanity license plate reading “DEPORTM,” seen as “Deport Them,” caused outrage after teacher Matt Pacenza shared its photo on Twitter, asking, “how was it approved?” The plate, issued in 2015, violates guidelines against derogatory language but went unnoticed for years.
Lawmakers from both parties condemned the plate. Republican Senator Daniel Thatcher and Democratic Senator Luz Escamilla called for accountability. The Tax Commission launched an investigation and promised to “strengthen review processes.”
Civil rights groups called this a “systemic issue,” urging transparency and reform. The plate will likely be recalled, sparking wider scrutiny of DMV oversight and “the responsibility of states to prevent public displays of hate.”
