Inside the Burlington ICE Office Used to Detain Immigrants

Key Takeaways

• ICE’s Burlington office detains immigrants for days, violating its 12-hour limit policy for field offices.
• Detainees report inhumane conditions: sleeping on concrete floors, limited showers, and no access to bathrooms properly.
• Massachusetts lawmakers demand congressional briefing and ICE accountability amid local legal and zoning challenges.

Federal and local officials are demanding answers after reports surfaced that the Burlington office of ICE in Massachusetts has been used to detain immigrants for days at a time, despite promises it would only serve as a short-term processing center. Massachusetts lawmakers, including Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, have called for a congressional briefing and a full explanation from ICE, citing disturbing accounts of inhumane conditions inside the facility.

Allegations of Prolonged Detention and Poor Conditions

The Burlington office, part of ICE’s New England Regional Headquarters, was approved in 2008 with the understanding that it would not be used for overnight detention. Local officials and residents were told the facility would only handle administrative paperwork and short-term processing. However, in the wake of a national surge in immigration arrests during 2025, reports have emerged that the Burlington office has been used to hold people for several days—far beyond the 12-hour limit set by ICE’s own policy for field offices.

One of the most publicized cases is that of Marcelo Gomes da Silva, a teenager who was detained at the Burlington office for six days. He described sleeping on a concrete floor, not having access to showers for days, and being forced to use the bathroom in the open. These accounts have been echoed by other detainees and have drawn sharp criticism from both local and federal officials.

ICE’s Response and Contradictory Testimonies

ICE officials maintain that the Burlington office is not a dedicated detention center and that overnight stays are rare, only occurring in “exceptional circumstances.” According to ICE, detainees are provided with food, phone access, showers, legal representation, and medical care as needed. However, these claims are directly contradicted by the testimonies of detainees like Gomes da Silva, who report overcrowding, lack of sanitary products (especially for women), no access to fresh air, and humiliation due to inadequate facilities.

As of July 2025, there is no public evidence of formal policy changes at the federal level specifically addressing the Burlington facility’s use for extended detention. The Massachusetts congressional delegation has formally requested a congressional briefing and detailed answers from ICE leadership, but ICE has not provided independent verification of the conditions or addressed specific allegations of mistreatment.

Local Government and Zoning Concerns

Local officials in Burlington are investigating whether the ICE office is violating zoning and health codes, as the facility was originally approved only for administrative processing, not overnight detention. The Burlington Select Board has publicly expressed concern about the humane treatment of detainees and is seeking legal advice on local enforcement options. Mike Espejo, Chairman of the Burlington Select Board, stated that the town is gathering information and consulting legal counsel to determine if local enforcement action is possible. However, there is uncertainty over the town’s legal authority to enforce local zoning or health codes against a federal facility, creating a “gray area” for oversight.

The Select Board has issued a public statement reaffirming these concerns and has not ruled out the possibility of taking action if legal counsel determines the town has jurisdiction. No enforcement actions have been taken as of this date, but the board’s public stance reflects growing local opposition and a demand for accountability.

National Context and Policy Implications

The situation in Burlington is part of a larger national trend. As of June 2025, the federal government is holding about 59,000 immigrant detainees nationwide. However, the number specifically held in field offices like Burlington is not publicly disclosed. ICE’s National Detention Standards (NDS) and Performance-Based National Detention Standards (PBNDS) are designed for dedicated detention facilities, not field offices. The use of administrative offices for prolonged detention raises questions about compliance with both federal standards and international human rights norms.

Legal experts point out that using an administrative office for prolonged detention may violate local laws and federal detention standards. The lack of proper sleeping accommodations, sanitary facilities, or outdoor access at the Burlington office makes it unsuitable for anything beyond short-term processing. Immigrant rights groups argue that the situation in Burlington reflects a broader pattern of ICE overreach and lack of transparency, with field offices being used as de facto detention centers during periods of high enforcement activity.

Step-by-Step: What Happens When Someone Is Detained at the Burlington ICE Office?

1. Arrest: An individual is taken into ICE custody in New England.
2. Transport: The person is brought to the Burlington office for initial processing, which may include fingerprinting, interviews, and paperwork.
3. Intended Procedure: According to ICE policy, the individual should be transferred to a dedicated detention facility within 12 hours, unless “exceptional circumstances” apply.
4. Current Practice: Multiple reports indicate that individuals are being held at the Burlington office for days, sleeping on floors, with limited access to showers and sanitary facilities.
5. Release or Transfer: Eventually, the individual may be released on bond, transferred to a detention center, or placed in removal proceedings. The timeline and conditions vary widely based on available accounts.

Detainee Experiences and Advocacy Response

Detainees and their advocates have described conditions inside the Burlington office as inhumane. Reports include:

• Sleeping on concrete floors with no proper bedding
• No access to showers for several days
• Lack of sanitary products, especially for women
• No outdoor access or fresh air
• Having to use the bathroom in the open, leading to humiliation

These accounts have prompted renewed scrutiny from both local and federal officials. Advocacy groups and legal advocates have amplified detainee testimonies and called for independent monitoring and reform. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Burlington case has become a flashpoint for debates about ICE transparency and accountability, with calls for independent inspections and public hearings growing louder.

Political and Community Response

The Massachusetts congressional delegation, including Senators Warren and Markey and the state’s nine U.S. House members, has taken an unusually unified stance. They have publicly condemned the conditions at the Burlington office and demanded accountability from ICE leadership, including Acting Director Todd Lyons and Boston Field Office Director Patricia Hyde. Their formal request for a congressional briefing and answers signals ongoing federal scrutiny and the possibility of further investigations or hearings.

Burlington residents and officials feel misled, having been assured that the facility would not be used for overnight detention. The Select Board’s public stance reflects growing local opposition and a demand for accountability. Local officials are also considering legal options, but face challenges due to the facility’s federal status.

Legal and Oversight Challenges

One of the main challenges facing local officials is the uncertainty over their legal authority to enforce local zoning or health codes against a federal facility. The Burlington office was originally approved only for administrative processing, not overnight detention. Local officials are consulting legal counsel to explore enforcement options, but the situation remains a “gray area” for oversight.

Detainees and advocates can file complaints with ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) or the Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL). However, there is no public record of recent formal complaints specific to the Burlington facility as of July 2025. The effectiveness of these complaint channels is also unclear, as ICE has not provided independent verification of the conditions or addressed specific allegations of mistreatment.

Statistics and Quantitative Data

• Nationally, the federal government is holding about 59,000 immigrant detainees as of June 2025.
• Burlington Facility: No official numbers have been released regarding how many individuals have been detained overnight or for extended periods at the Burlington office. Detainee accounts and lawmaker letters suggest the practice has been ongoing since at least early May 2025.
• Duration of Detention: ICE policy limits field office detention to 12 hours, but multiple reports confirm stays of several days, with at least one documented case of six days.

Common Questions and Concerns

• Is the Burlington facility legally allowed to detain people overnight?
  • Local zoning and original approvals were for administrative use only, not overnight detention. ICE claims such stays are exceptional, but evidence suggests otherwise.
• What can detainees or their families do if they experience poor conditions?
  • They can file complaints with ICE’s OPR or DHS CRCL, though the effectiveness of these channels is unclear.
• What is the town of Burlington doing?
  • The Select Board is investigating and considering legal options, but faces jurisdictional challenges due to the facility’s federal status.
• Are there any independent inspections of the facility?
  • No public reports of independent inspections have been issued as of July 2025.

Implications for Affected Communities

The use of the Burlington office for prolonged detention has significant implications for detainees, their families, and the local community. Detainees report physical discomfort, emotional distress, and humiliation due to inadequate facilities. Families often struggle to get information about their loved ones or to advocate for better treatment. The local community feels betrayed by broken promises and is concerned about the impact on Burlington’s reputation and values.

For immigrants, the risk of being held in unsuitable conditions adds another layer of fear and uncertainty to an already stressful process. For local officials, the situation highlights the limits of local authority when it comes to federal immigration enforcement. For lawmakers and advocates, the Burlington case underscores the need for greater transparency, oversight, and reform of ICE detention practices.

Solution-Oriented Elements and Next Steps

While the situation remains unresolved, several steps are being taken to address the concerns:

• Congressional Oversight: The Massachusetts delegation’s formal request for a briefing and answers suggests ongoing federal scrutiny. Depending on ICE’s response, further congressional hearings or investigations are possible.
• Local Enforcement: Burlington officials may pursue zoning or health code enforcement if legal counsel determines they have jurisdiction. Such actions could set a precedent for other communities hosting ICE field offices.
• Policy Changes: There is no indication of imminent federal policy changes specific to the Burlington facility, but sustained pressure from lawmakers and advocates could lead to revised guidelines on the use of field offices for detention.
• Public Awareness: Continued media coverage and advocacy are likely to keep the issue in the public eye, potentially influencing both local and national policy debates.

Official Resources and Contact Information

For those seeking more information or wishing to take action:

• Burlington Town Government: Official statements and updates can be found on the Burlington town website. For direct inquiries, contact the Burlington Select Board via the town’s official contact channels.
• ICE: The ICE website provides general information on detention standards and complaint procedures. Specific concerns about the Burlington facility can be directed to the ICE Boston Field Office.
• Congressional Representatives: Constituents can contact the offices of Senators Warren and Markey or their U.S. House representative for updates on federal oversight efforts.

Conclusion

The Burlington office of ICE has become a focal point in 2025 for debates over immigration enforcement, detainee rights, and the balance between federal authority and local oversight. Reports of prolonged detention and inhumane conditions have prompted strong responses from Massachusetts lawmakers, local officials, and advocacy groups. As investigations continue and political pressure mounts, the future of the Burlington facility—and the people held inside—remains uncertain. The outcome will likely have lasting effects on how immigration enforcement is carried out in Massachusetts and across the United States 🇺🇸.

For those affected or concerned, staying informed, reaching out to elected officials, and using available complaint channels are practical steps to push for change. Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that ongoing advocacy and oversight will be key to ensuring that facilities like the Burlington office are held to the highest standards of humane treatment and legal compliance.

Learn Today

ICE → Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a U.S. federal agency enforcing immigration laws.
Detention Center → Facility where immigrants are held during immigration processing or removal proceedings.
Field Office → A local ICE office intended mainly for administrative processing, not prolonged detention.
Congressional Briefing → A formal informational session where lawmakers request detailed agency explanations or updates.
Zoning Codes → Local laws regulating land use and building purposes within municipal boundaries.

This Article in a Nutshell

The Burlington ICE office in Massachusetts faces allegations of prolonged immigrant detention and poor conditions, prompting demands from lawmakers and local officials for accountability and legal scrutiny regarding federal versus local enforcement authority.
— By VisaVerge.com