Vermont Prisons Express Frustration Over ICE Collaboration

Key Takeaways

• In May 2025, ICE detained 10 authorized construction workers at Newport, sparking outrage over transparency and transfers.
• Vermont DOC reports overcrowding, safety issues, and poor ICE communication amid rising federal detainee populations.
• Bills H.298 and S.44 seek to limit Vermont’s cooperation with ICE, prohibiting data sharing and civil holds.

Internal Communications Reveal Vermont Prisons’ Struggles with ICE Amid Newport Ten Disappearance

Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How

In June 2025, internal communications from the Vermont Department of Corrections (DOC) exposed growing frustration among state prison officials over their ongoing partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This tension has reached a breaking point following a surge in ICE detentions and transfers, including the high-profile case of the “Newport Ten”—a group of construction workers detained at a Newport worksite, all of whom reportedly had valid work authorization. The situation has sparked urgent action from legal advocates, legislative leaders, and community organizations, all questioning Vermont’s role in federal immigration enforcement and the impact on immigrant communities.

Mounting Frustration Inside Vermont Prisons

Corrections officials in Vermont have voiced serious concerns about their collaboration with ICE. According to internal messages, staff are overwhelmed by the lack of clear guidance and support from federal authorities. The Vermont Department of Corrections is tasked with housing federal immigration detainees alongside state inmates, a responsibility that has become more complicated as ICE enforcement activities have increased across the region.

Officials describe operational challenges such as:

• Overcrowding in state prisons, which already struggle to manage their existing populations.
• Mixing civil immigration detainees with criminal inmates, raising safety and management concerns.
• Limited information from ICE about detainees’ legal status, transfer plans, and access to legal counsel.

These frustrations have grown more intense since May 2025, when ICE detained about 10 construction workers at a Newport worksite—the group now known as the Newport Ten. Despite reports that all had valid work permits, their sudden disappearance and transfer out of state have left families, lawyers, and advocates scrambling for answers.

Advocates Mobilize in Response to ICE Detentions

The Vermont Asylum Assistance Project (VAAP) and other advocacy groups have responded quickly to the uptick in ICE activity. VAAP’s Executive Director, Jill Martin Diaz, has spoken out about the dangers of Vermont’s cooperation with ICE, warning that it erodes trust in local institutions and puts immigrant families at risk.

Advocates report several key problems:

• Confusion and lack of transparency about where detainees are held and how to contact them.
• Difficulty accessing detainees in state prisons, especially when ICE transfers them out of state with little or no notice.
• Language barriers and limited legal support for detainees, many of whom do not speak English fluently or understand their rights.

Legal teams have been forced to act quickly, often with incomplete information, to provide basic legal orientation and support to those detained. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, these challenges are not unique to Vermont but are especially acute in states where local and federal authorities share detention responsibilities.

Legislative Push for Change: H.298 and S.44

In response to these ongoing problems, the Vermont Legislature is considering two major bills—H.298 and S.44—that would restrict or even ban state and local cooperation with ICE. These bills have broad bipartisan support and are designed to address concerns about civil liberties, operational strain, and the well-being of immigrant communities.

Key provisions of the proposed legislation include:

• Prohibiting Vermont agencies from sharing data with ICE or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) unless required by law.
• Banning civil immigration holds and transfers unless there is a judicial warrant.
• Restricting disclosure of sensitive information, such as place of birth and release dates, to federal immigration authorities.
• Requiring legislative oversight for any new or modified agreements with federal immigration agencies.

Supporters argue that these measures are necessary to protect the rights of immigrants and to prevent Vermont from being complicit in federal civil liberties violations. The House Committee on Corrections and Institutions, backed by Speaker Krowinski, has been especially vocal in pushing for an end to the ICE contract.

Governor’s Office and Executive Resistance

Despite legislative momentum, the Governor’s office has been accused of obstructing reform efforts. Lawmakers say the Governor has delayed or blocked attempts to end Vermont’s cooperation with ICE, even as public pressure mounts. No recent public statement from the Governor’s office has addressed these accusations, leaving the future of the state’s relationship with ICE uncertain.

How the Current System Works: Step-by-Step

To understand the stakes, it’s important to look at how Vermont’s current arrangement with ICE functions:

1. Detention: ICE detains individuals in Vermont, often without criminal charges, and places them in state prisons under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Vermont Department of Corrections and ICE.
2. Notification: Detainees may or may not be promptly informed of their rights or given access to legal counsel, depending on the facility and ICE’s cooperation.
3. Legal Support: Organizations like VAAP attempt to provide rapid legal intake and orientation, but often face barriers to accessing detainees or obtaining accurate information about their cases.
4. Transfer: ICE can transfer detainees to out-of-state facilities, sometimes with little or no notice, making it even harder for families and lawyers to maintain contact.
5. Legislative Oversight (Proposed): If H.298 or S.44 passes, any new or modified agreements with ICE would require legislative approval, and individuals harmed by violations could seek legal recourse.

Quantitative Data: The Scope of the Problem

• Vermont’s total prison population: About 1,450 people.
• Immigration detainees: Usually less than 1% to 2% of the total, or roughly 15–30 individuals at any given time.
• Recent detentions: In May 2025, ICE detained about 10 construction workers (the Newport Ten) at a Newport worksite. Seven women were transferred from Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility to out-of-state facilities, and several farm and landscaping workers were also detained.
• Regional enforcement: ICE reported nearly 1,500 arrests in New England in May 2025, showing a sharp increase in enforcement activity.

The Newport Ten: A Case That Sparked Outrage

The disappearance of the Newport Ten has become a symbol of the problems with Vermont’s cooperation with ICE. All ten construction workers were reportedly authorized to work in the United States, yet they were detained at a Newport worksite and quickly transferred out of state. Families and lawyers struggled to find out where they were being held, and advocates say this case highlights the dangers of a system that lacks transparency and accountability.

Impacts on Detainees and Their Families

For those detained, the experience can be traumatic and isolating. Many face:

• Language barriers that make it hard to understand their rights or communicate with staff.
• Limited access to legal counsel, especially when transferred out of state.
• Separation from family, which can last for weeks or months.
• Placement in units meant for behavioral management, increasing the risk of assault and isolation.

These conditions have led to widespread fear among Vermont’s immigrant communities, with many people withdrawing from public life and avoiding essential services out of concern for their safety.

Operational Strain on Vermont Prisons

The Vermont Department of Corrections has made it clear that housing federal immigration detainees puts extra pressure on an already stretched system. Mixing civil detainees with criminal inmates creates safety risks and complicates daily operations. Corrections staff have reported feeling unsupported by ICE, especially when it comes to managing detainee transfers and providing necessary information.

Community and Advocacy Group Response

Local organizations, including VAAP and RuralEdge, have stepped up to provide legal support and advocate for legislative change. They argue that Vermont’s unique position as a border state within the 100-mile enforcement zone makes strong local protections even more important. These groups are calling for:

• Greater transparency in how detainees are managed and transferred.
• Stronger legal protections for immigrants held in state custody.
• An end to Vermont’s cooperation with ICE, unless strict safeguards are in place.

Multiple Perspectives: Stakeholder Concerns

Background: How Vermont’s ICE Partnership Developed

Vermont’s MOU with ICE was originally meant to provide temporary holding space for federal detainees. Over time, as federal enforcement increased, Vermont prisons became a more regular site for immigration detention. This shift has drawn growing scrutiny from lawmakers and advocates, especially as reports of civil liberties violations and operational problems have mounted.

In 2024 and 2025, legislative scrutiny intensified, with a bipartisan consensus emerging that Vermont should not be complicit in federal civil liberties violations. Advocacy efforts have focused on both immediate legal support for detainees and long-term reforms to strictly regulate or end the state’s partnership with ICE.

Policy Implications: What’s at Stake

The debate over Vermont’s cooperation with ICE has far-reaching implications:

• For detainees: Continued cooperation means more people could face detention without clear legal support or access to family, especially as ICE enforcement increases.
• For state agencies: The Vermont Department of Corrections faces ongoing operational challenges, including overcrowding and safety risks.
• For immigrant communities: The perception that Vermont is helping ICE has led to widespread fear, making people less likely to seek help or use public services.

If H.298 or S.44 passes, Vermont would join other states that have limited or ended cooperation with federal immigration authorities, setting a new standard for local control and immigrant protections.

Future Outlook: What Comes Next?

• Legislation: H.298 and S.44 are expected to see further debate and possible passage in the coming months. If enacted, they could end or sharply restrict Vermont’s cooperation with ICE.
• Executive-Legislative Tension: The ongoing conflict between the Governor’s office and the Legislature may delay or complicate reforms.
• Advocacy: Legal and community organizations will continue to provide rapid-response support and push for greater transparency and accountability.
• Federal Trends: With increased ICE enforcement under the current administration, Vermont’s role as a detention site will remain a flashpoint unless state policy changes.

Practical Guidance for Affected Individuals and Families

If you or someone you know is affected by ICE detention in Vermont:

• Contact legal aid organizations like the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project (VAAP) as soon as possible. They can help with legal orientation and representation.
• Keep copies of all immigration documents, including work authorization and identification.
• Stay informed about your rights—for more information, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official website.
• Reach out to community organizations for support with language, housing, and family needs.

Official Contacts and Resources

• Vermont Department of Corrections: Contact through the state government website
• Vermont Asylum Assistance Project (VAAP): vaapvt.org, Executive Director Jill Martin Diaz, Esq. ([email protected])
• Governor’s Office: (802) 828-3333
• Vermont General Assembly: For bill tracking and legislative updates on H.298 and S.44

Conclusion: Vermont at a Crossroads

Internal communications and recent events have brought Vermont’s role in federal immigration enforcement into sharp focus. With the disappearance of the Newport Ten and a surge in ICE activity, the Vermont Department of Corrections, legislative leaders, and advocacy groups are united in calling for change. The outcome of pending legislation and ongoing advocacy will shape the future for detainees, state agencies, and immigrant communities across Vermont. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the state’s next steps will be closely watched by both local residents and national observers, with significant implications for civil liberties and community trust.

Actionable Takeaways

• For individuals: Seek legal help immediately if detained or at risk.
• For families: Stay connected with advocacy groups for updates and support.
• For policymakers: Monitor legislative developments and consider the operational and human impacts of state-federal partnerships.
• For community members: Support local organizations working to protect immigrant rights and promote transparency.

Vermont stands at a critical juncture, with the decisions made in the coming months likely to set the tone for immigration enforcement and community relations for years to come.

Learn Today

ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency enforcing immigration laws and detaining unauthorized immigrants.
Memorandum of Understanding → A formal agreement between Vermont DOC and ICE to house federal immigration detainees in state prisons.
Civil Immigration Detention → Holding individuals under immigration law without criminal charges, often in state or federal facilities.
Transfer → The relocation of detainees from one detention facility to another, sometimes across state lines.
Legislative Oversight → Supervision by elected officials over agreements and policies involving state cooperation with federal agencies.

This Article in a Nutshell

Vermont’s prisons face growing strain housing federal immigration detainees, including the Newport Ten case. Legal advocates demand transparency, safety, and limits on ICE partnerships, pressing new legislation H.298 and S.44. The state debates balancing immigration enforcement and civil liberties amid operational and community challenges.
— By VisaVerge.com