Protests and Activism

Activists cite political climate, fear and different priorities among local leaders of color as reasons for lack of action in the streets.

Dozens of protesters accused state and local police of using excessive force and helping federal immigration agents facilitate the detention of three people from a house in South Burlington last month.

Demonstrators contended that the law’s conservation aims amount to an infringement on property rights in rural areas of Vermont.

When the warrant came through after roughly nine hours, federal agents approached the front door with tactical gear and weapons drawn. Police wrenched away protesters blocking the entrance and agents broke down the door.

Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George has declined to file trespassing charges against about a dozen protesters arrested at an office building in Williston that houses an Immigration and Customs Enforcement office.

State police arrested 11 people and cited two others on trespassing charges Monday after the group declined to leave a Williston building that houses an Immigration and Customs Enforcement office.

Several of the state’s small businesses participated in a general strike Friday, in solidarity with protests against the escalating immigration crackdown in Minneapolis. While some closed, others decided to donate that day's earnings to nonprofit organizations.

An afternoon rally in Burlington protested Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in Minneapolis and around the country.

The Friday afternoon protest came as immigrant communities are still reeling from ICE's large-scale operation.

A number of Vermont businesses closed Friday, while others pledged to donate a portion of sales to organizations assisting immigrants.