Title: Federal Immigration Authorities Detain Farmworkers in Vermont
Franklin County, VT – In a rare and significant immigration enforcement action, federal agents detained eight farmworkers on a dairy farm in Vermont, according to the advocacy group Migrant Justice. This operation, conducted by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents, marks one of the largest worksite enforcement actions in the state’s recent history.
Migrant Justice reported that the detainees, aged between 22 and 41, have been living and working at the farm, contributing to the local economy through labor-intensive jobs that often go unfilled by U.S. citizens. The detained workers, now held at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in Swanton, left friends and family members concerned for their safety and well-being.
The detentions followed a report from a “concerned citizen” about suspicious activity near the Canadian border, leading CBP agents to apprehend individuals deemed to be illegally present in the U.S. While the full details of the detainees’ immigration status remain unclear, the situation has sparked public outcry, particularly from those connected to Migrant Justice, which represents around 2,000 farmworkers and their families.
Cristian Santos, a member of the Migrant Justice Farmworker Coordinating Committee, condemned the arrests, labeling them an “injustice” and emphasizing the vital role these workers play in supporting Vermont’s agricultural economy. “The cows don’t milk themselves,” he asserted.
Will Lambek, another spokesperson for Migrant Justice, described the situation as traumatic for those left behind, highlighting fears among families still present on the farm. The organization is calling for the immediate release of the detained workers, framing the arrests as an attack on human rights.
As advocates push for reform and support, the community grapples with the ramifications of this enforcement action.
For more information, contact Giulia McDonnell Nieto del Rio at giulia.mcdnr@globe.com.
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