Religion News Service reports that seven Vermont clergy members were arrested on Wednesday while protesting at a facility in Williston that reportedly provides space for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. Local law enforcement officers took the group into custody after the demonstrators refused to vacate the premises, citing concerns over the agency's treatment of migrants.
The protest took place at a private office building that has been the subject of ongoing scrutiny by immigrant rights activists in the region. Demonstrators gathered at the site to voice opposition to the presence of federal immigration enforcement within the community. The individuals arrested represented several denominations, including United Methodist, Episcopal, and United Church of Christ congregations.
Police charged the seven individuals with trespassing following an extended standoff outside the building’s entrance. The participants had blocked access to the office doors for several hours, holding signs and chanting slogans intended to draw attention to the impact of federal detention policies on local families. Officers issued multiple warnings before executing the arrests.
The Rev. Rebecca Girrell, a United Methodist pastor involved in the demonstration, stated that she felt compelled to act due to her religious convictions regarding justice. She noted, "Human beings are not targets and God is a God of justice and love."
Law enforcement officials stated that the building’s property management requested the intervention after the protest disrupted normal business operations. The facility houses various corporate offices, and local authorities indicated that the demonstration prevented employees from entering the workspace. The arrested clergy members were processed at a local station and released with citations later that afternoon.
The protest marks the latest in a series of demonstrations targeting the Williston location over the past year. Local immigrant advocacy groups have frequently identified the site as a hub for administrative activities related to immigration enforcement. These organizations argue that the presence of such offices in smaller communities increases anxiety among migrant populations.
The seven clergy members are scheduled to appear in Chittenden County Superior Court next month to face the trespassing charges. Legal representatives for the group indicated that they plan to contest the citations during the upcoming proceedings. State officials have not announced any changes to security protocols at the building, and the property owners have stated they intend to maintain normal operations in the coming weeks.