Burlington Mayor Signs Order Reinforcing ICE Arrest Protections

Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak signed an executive order explaining how the city will implement Vermont’s Act 150, which bars civil arrests, including immigration arrests, in designated sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, places of worship, libraries and polling places. The order calls for updated signage and policies, training for city employees and community partners, and cooperation with legal organizations to inform residents of their rights. It also says Burlington police will not assist with civil immigration enforcement; if officers respond to a public safety concern, their role is limited to maintaining safety. The mayor and community advocates say the measures are intended to help vulnerable residents feel safe using public spaces, while the Department of Homeland Security criticized the order as political and said ICE does not target sensitive locations, though arrests may occur there when necessary to address public safety threats.