Vermont Senators Urge Governor to End Immigration Detention Agreement
MONTPELIER — Vermont’s Democratic leadership is calling for Governor Phil Scott to terminate a controversial agreement allowing federal immigration enforcement agencies to detain individuals at state prisons. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth, along with Senate Majority Leader Kesha Ram Hinsdale and Sen. Becca White, voiced their concerns during a press conference following the arrest of Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi. Mahdawi, apprehended while seeking U.S. citizenship, is currently held at Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans.
Baruth criticized the federal agencies for eroding public trust, suggesting their actions make communities less safe. “This is making our communities less safe,” he asserted. In response, Gov. Scott’s press secretary indicated that the governor would confer with legislative leaders about the senators’ request. Scott’s office expressed concern regarding Mahdawi’s arrest, emphasizing that law enforcement should not act in secrecy.
The memorandum of understanding, signed last August with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and ICE, requires Vermont to house detainees and provide medical care, at a federal reimbursement rate of $180 per detainee per night—lower than actual costs. Senators revealed that discussions to renegotiate the terms had stalled, prompting their public demand for cancellation.
House Speaker Jill Krowinski condemned Mahdawi’s arrest as “completely unacceptable,” insisting on a thorough examination of the agreement’s legal implications. The Corrections Department maintains it offers superior care compared to federal facilities, advocating for a critical review of Vermont’s role in immigration enforcement. As legislators navigate these complex issues, the call for a reassessment of Vermont’s involvement with federal immigration measures gains momentum.
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