The Progressive Caucus of the Burlington City Council condemns the ICE enforcement action in South Burlington on Wed 3/11 and calls on the city of Burlington to conduct a full investigation into the Burlington Police Dept’s role. We also call for a review of existing policies to ensure that we provide the greatest level of protection for our community and our constitutional rights when faced with actions like this in the future. 

The ICE raid was a travesty from beginning to end. It was initiated against a person who was never present and based on a visual “identification” from a distance that reveals the dangers of racial profiling. ICE started the car chase during the morning rush hour on a busy commuter street across from a middle school and high school that was beginning the school day. They received a warrant to search a house for a person who was never present but arrested 3 individuals not on the warrant who, as of this moment, have not been charged but are still detained and have been separated from their families, including their children. It was reported that an ICE firearm was discharged in the house when an ICE agent tripped; luckily no one was killed or wounded. This is the type of action we expect from a dictatorship, not the United States of America. 

There are many questions regarding the role of the BPD in these events and we support the Mayor’s call for a full investigation into them. This includes an investigation into claims that BPD officers used pepper spray on a protester, engaged in excessive physical force on another, and assisted in the detention of the persons taken into custody. We also call for a review of the adherence to and the adequacy of the City’s Fair & Impartial Policing Policy and the practices used to protect our community from these destructive acts by ICE and to protect our constitutional rights and freedoms whenever they are being exercised. This includes a review as to the adherence with the Mayor’s recent executive order and our City Council resolution on ICE enforcement.

Our caucus stands in solidarity with those who believe that everyone, regardless of immigration status or where they’re from, deserves dignity and safety. We stand with groups like Migrant Justice in their struggle to bring the 3 who were detained back home to their community. The danger, fear and chaos caused by federal agents in South Burlington yesterday is yet another example of why the federal government needs to reign in this rogue agency and stop terrorizing communities here and all over the United States.

There will be much more information and clarity in the coming days and weeks. In the meantime we encourage everyone to send photos, videos, or any other information they are comfortable sharing to Progressive Caucus member Melo Grant, who is the chair of the City Council’s Public Safety Committee.

Carter, Ward 1, [email protected]
Gene, Ward 2, [email protected]
Marek, Ward 8, [email protected]
Melo, Central District, [email protected]
Joe, Ward 3, [email protected]

Laura, Ward 3 councilor-elect