Williston, VT: A crowd of anti-ICE protesters trespassed into a building affiliated with ICE operations in a small town in Vermont. After authorities were alerted to the unwanted group trespassing, police officers responded to the scene and ordered the protesters to disperse to avoid arrest.
Many took the offer and left, but 13 committed individuals stuck around and eventually were arrested and charged.
Among those who were willing to face legal consequences over their beliefs were:
Linda Ayer, 74, of Burlington
Margaret Chadwell, 26, of Burlington
Robin Chadwell, 28, of Jericho
Henry Dorr, 20, of Hanover, New Hampshire
Omega Haehnel, 27, of Springfield
Lexington Kennedy, 22, of New York, New York
Nathaniel Maddison, 33, of South Burlington
Lena Myers, 29, of Norwich
Jackson Price, 20, of Hanover, New Hampshire
Gabriella Ross, 20, of Hanover, New Hampshire
Roan Wade, 22, Red Hook, New York
Sherri Wormser, 58, of Colchester
The thirteenth individual was not listed as he or she was identified as a minor.
The building in question was not used to house illegal immigrants but did support ICE operations.
“The facility, on Industrial Avenue, is not a detention facility but has a call center for tips of reported national security threats. According to Vermont State Police, the group entered the building to protest ICE and other federal agencies, and while some left when asked by police, those above declined to,” local media reported.
ICE Protests Throughout the Country
Opposition to ICE has inspired thousands of liberals and progressive activists to take to the streets and federal facilities recently.
Peaceful demonstrations, rallies, candlelight vigils, marches, and speeches outside are all protected forms of political expression under the First Amendment.
However, not every protest has remained peaceful.
At some ICE facilities, demonstrators have blocked entrances and exits, chained themselves together, attempted to prevent transport vehicles from leaving, and refused lawful police orders to disperse. In other locations, authorities reported vandalism, graffiti, damaged property, and arrests related to criminal activity.
Protesters have routinely clashed with ICE agents at Delaney Hall, a detention facility in Newark, New Jersey.
And most recently, a homeless man with known mental health issues approached a federal building in Manhattan, New York City and ignited a fireball just outside the main entrance that is known for high foot traffic. He was quickly detained by law enforcement and later discovered to be in possession of knives, axes and air-soft rifles.
A healthy democracy depends on citizens being free to voice their opinions, but it also depends on preserving public safety, protecting property, and allowing government institutions to operate under the rule of law.
That is exactly what a large majority of Americans voted for in 2024.
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Writer and author Eddie Molina has over 25 years of combined LEO and military service. Learn more about his interview articles at www.eddiemolina.com.
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