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Three detained in South Burlington ICE raid as state police assist despite objections

Jun 22, 2026 · South Burlington, VT

On March 11, 2026, ICE agents conducted an enforcement operation at a Dorset Street residence in South Burlington, Vermont, targeting one person on a warrant. Over 100 community members gathered to block the operation. ICE initially considered abandoning the effort but requested assistance from Vermont State Police, South Burlington Police, and Burlington Police. State and local officers deployed riot equipment, physically confronted community members, and cleared a path for ICE agents to enter the home. Three residents were detained, none of whom were named on the warrant: Cristian Jerez and sisters Johana and Camila Patin. Community members reported being pepper sprayed, shot with pepperballs, choked, and tackled. Within a week, a federal judge ordered all three released, finding the arrests unconstitutional. Internal police reviews concluded there were no excessive force violations by state or local officers, though civil rights advocates and political leaders condemned the operation and questioned police collaboration with ICE in violation of Vermont's Fair and Impartial Policing Policy.

Timeline

Jun 22, 2026Networks of volunteers continue organizing rapid-response efforts across Vermont in response to immigration enforcement actions
Apr 17, 2026Vermont police reviews conclude with no findings of excessive force violations by state or local officers; civil rights advocates and political leaders condemn ICE tactics
Mar 18, 2026Federal judge orders release of all three detained residents, finding arrests unconstitutional
Mar 11, 2026ICE agents conduct enforcement operation at Dorset Street residence in South Burlington; over 100 community members gather to block operation; Vermont State Police and local police deploy riot equipment, physically confront community members, and assist ICE in entering home; three residents detained despite only one named on warrant

Sources

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