ICE Detains 10 Construction Workers at Newport Site on May 29

Key Takeaways

• On May 29, 2025, ICE detained 10 construction workers in Newport, Vermont, during a federal immigration enforcement raid.
• Five detainees had legal status proof; others face possible deportation pending verification and legal review.
• The DHS targets over 500 sanctuary jurisdictions, threatening to cut federal funding for non-cooperating areas.

On Thursday, May 29, 2025, immigration officials detained 10 construction workers at a private building site in Newport, Vermont. The operation, confirmed by the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project, is part of a growing wave of federal immigration enforcement actions targeting areas known as “sanctuary jurisdictions” and industries that rely heavily on immigrant labor. The workers, subcontracted through Patriot Building Systems of Londonderry, New Hampshire, were taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and transported to the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans, Vermont.

This incident is not isolated. It reflects a broader federal crackdown on undocumented workers and the communities that seek to protect them. The detentions in Newport come amid a series of similar ICE operations across New England, raising urgent questions for workers, employers, and local communities about the future of immigration enforcement and labor in the region.

What Happened in Newport?

Who: Ten construction workers, all subcontractors for Patriot Building Systems
What: Detained by immigration officials during a workplace raid
When: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Where: Private construction site in Newport, Vermont
Why: Part of a federal push to enforce immigration laws in sanctuary jurisdictions and industries with high immigrant participation
How: ICE agents conducted the raid, detained the workers, and transported them to a local correctional facility

According to the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project, about five of the detained workers were carrying proof of legal status, such as work permits or pending asylum applications. All ten were initially held at the Northwest State Correctional Facility. Those with valid documents could be released as soon as Friday, May 30, after their paperwork is verified. The remaining workers face continued detention and possible deportation proceedings.

The Broader Crackdown: Sanctuary Jurisdictions Under Pressure

The Newport detentions are part of a larger pattern. In the two weeks before this incident, ICE detained 17 construction workers in Lowell, Massachusetts, and made additional arrests in Chelsea, Waltham, Everett, and East Boston. These actions follow new federal policies that target so-called “sanctuary jurisdictions”—cities and states that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

On May 30, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a list of more than 500 sanctuary jurisdictions, including Vermont and several towns in Connecticut. The Trump administration accuses these areas of blocking federal efforts to remove undocumented immigrants. An executive order signed on April 28, 2025, threatens to suspend or end federal grants and contracts with these jurisdictions.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated, “Sanctuary policies endanger Americans and our law enforcement in order to protect violent criminal illegal aliens.” In response, local leaders like New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker have pushed back, saying, “New Haven is proudly a welcoming city… The Trump administration is trying to extort local communities to implement his cruel agenda. We will be no part of it.”

What Happens to Detained Workers?

The process for workers detained by immigration officials is complex and can be frightening, especially for those unsure of their rights or status. Here’s what typically happens:

1. Detention: ICE agents detain workers at the job site and transport them to a local correctional facility.
2. Initial Processing: Officials screen detainees for proof of legal status, such as visas, work permits, or pending asylum claims.
3. Legal Review: Those with valid documents may be released after verification. Others may remain in custody and could be transferred to out-of-state detention centers.
   4. Deportation Proceedings: Workers without legal status are placed in removal proceedings. They have the right to a hearing and, if possible, legal representation.
4. Community Support: Advocacy groups like the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project step in to provide legal aid, publicize the case, and help families.

For more information on ICE procedures and detainee rights, visit the official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website.

The Role of the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project

The Vermont Asylum Assistance Project has played a key role in supporting the detained workers and their families. The group provides legal advice, helps with paperwork, and works to ensure that those with valid status are released quickly. They also coordinate with other advocacy organizations to raise awareness and push for policy changes.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, groups like the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project are essential in helping immigrants understand their rights and navigate the complex legal system. Their work is especially important during periods of increased enforcement, when fear and confusion are widespread.

Impact on Workers, Employers, and Communities

For Workers

• Immediate Risk: Detained workers face the possibility of deportation, even if they have some form of legal status or a pending asylum claim.
• Uncertainty: Many workers are unsure of their rights or what documents they need to avoid detention.
• Fear: The threat of raids and detention creates anxiety, making it harder for workers to do their jobs or participate in community life.

For Employers

• Legal Exposure: Companies like Patriot Building Systems face increased scrutiny over their hiring practices. Even subcontractors can be held responsible for employing undocumented workers.
• Labor Shortages: The construction industry already struggles to find enough workers. The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) warn that stricter enforcement could make shortages worse, drive up costs, and slow down projects.
• Reluctance to Comment: Many employers avoid speaking publicly about these issues due to legal risks.

For Local Communities

• Instability: Raids and detentions disrupt families and create fear in immigrant neighborhoods.
• Economic Impact: Labor shortages in construction can delay projects and hurt local economies. The industry is expected to need 439,000 new workers in 2025 to meet demand.
• Community Response: Local groups and leaders often rally to support affected families and push back against federal policies.

Recent Policy Changes and Legal Battles

The Trump administration has introduced several new policies aimed at increasing immigration enforcement:

• Expanded Mandatory Detention: Under the Laken Riley Act, more immigrants can be detained for minor offenses.
• Increased ICE Presence: More agents are operating at workplaces, universities, and neighborhoods.
• Guantánamo Bay Reactivation: The government has reopened the facility for immigration detention, with space for up to 30,000 people.
• Legal Challenges: States like Illinois, New York, and California are fighting these policies in court, especially those targeting sanctuary jurisdictions and birthright citizenship.

These changes have made the environment for immigrants and their employers more uncertain and risky.

The Construction Industry’s Dependence on Immigrant Labor

The construction sector in New England and across the United States 🇺🇸 relies heavily on immigrant workers. Many jobs are filled by people who have come to the country seeking better opportunities, some with legal status and others without.

Industry groups like the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) argue that current immigration policies do not match the needs of the labor market. They call for a merit-based, market-driven visa system that would allow more workers to enter legally and help fill gaps in the workforce.

Without changes, stricter enforcement could:

• Worsen Labor Shortages: Fewer workers mean slower projects and higher costs.
• Reduce Project Volume: Some companies may have to turn down work if they can’t find enough staff.
• Increase Costs: Scarcity of labor drives up wages and project expenses.

Sanctuary Policies: What Are They and Why Do They Matter?

Sanctuary policies are local laws or rules that limit how much local police and officials help federal immigration authorities. Supporters say these policies build trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, making it easier to report crimes and keep neighborhoods safe. Critics argue that sanctuary policies protect people who have broken immigration laws and make it harder to enforce federal rules.

The Trump administration has made rolling back sanctuary policies a top priority. By threatening to cut off federal funding, the government hopes to pressure cities and states to cooperate more closely with immigration officials.

Legal and Advocacy Perspectives

Immigration attorneys warn that the current crackdown is creating widespread fear and confusion. Many workers do not know their rights or what to do if detained. Legal experts also point out that some of the new executive orders may face constitutional challenges, especially those that try to change birthright citizenship or force local police to act as immigration agents.

Advocacy groups like the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project and the Migrant Workers Alliance are stepping up efforts to provide information, legal support, and advocacy for affected workers. They help families find missing loved ones, connect people with lawyers, and organize public campaigns to raise awareness.

What Should Detained Workers and Their Families Do?

If someone is detained by immigration officials, here are some immediate steps to take:

• Contact a Legal Aid Organization: Groups like the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project can provide legal advice and help with paperwork.
• Gather Documents: Family members should collect any proof of legal status, such as visas, work permits, or pending asylum applications.
• Stay Informed: Follow updates from advocacy groups and local news outlets for the latest information.
• Know Your Rights: Detainees have the right to a hearing and, in many cases, legal representation.

For official information on detainee rights and ICE procedures, visit the ICE Detainee Rights page.

Future Outlook: What Comes Next?

The situation for immigrant workers and their employers remains uncertain. Several factors could shape what happens next:

• Pending Lawsuits: Ongoing legal battles may change how new executive orders are enforced, especially in sanctuary jurisdictions.
• Possible New Programs: The federal government has announced a plan that could allow up to 6,000 undocumented construction workers to apply for permanent residency, but details are still unclear.
• Industry Response: Construction companies and industry groups are likely to push for immigration reform and new visa programs to address labor shortages.
• Community Action: Advocacy groups will continue to support affected workers and challenge federal policies in court and in public forums.

Resources for Affected Individuals and Families

If you or someone you know has been affected by recent immigration enforcement actions, here are some resources:

• Vermont Asylum Assistance Project: Offers legal aid and updates for detained workers.
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Provides case status and detainee information.
• Migrant Workers Alliance: Advocacy and information on possible residency programs for construction workers.
• Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC): Industry analysis and policy advocacy.

For immediate help, contact local legal aid organizations or the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project. They can guide you through the process and connect you with additional support.

Conclusion: A Community in Uncertainty

The detention of 10 construction workers by immigration officials in Newport, Vermont, is a stark reminder of the real-life impact of federal immigration policies. As the Trump administration intensifies its crackdown on undocumented workers and sanctuary jurisdictions, families, employers, and entire communities are left facing uncertainty and fear.

While advocacy groups like the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project work tirelessly to support those affected, the need for clear information, legal support, and policy reform has never been greater. The construction industry, local governments, and immigrant families all have a stake in how these issues are resolved.

For the latest updates and authoritative information, consult official sources such as the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website, and stay connected with local advocacy organizations. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the coming months will be critical for everyone involved, with legal battles, policy changes, and community action all shaping the future of immigration enforcement in Vermont and beyond.

Learn Today

ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement responsible for enforcing immigration laws and conducting detentions.
Sanctuary Jurisdictions → Local areas limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants.
Deportation Proceedings → Legal process to remove individuals without legal immigration status from the United States.
Work Permits → Official documents allowing non-citizens to legally work within the United States.
Asylum Applications → Requests for protection filed by individuals fearing persecution in their home countries.

This Article in a Nutshell

On May 29, 2025, ICE raided a Newport, Vermont construction site, detaining 10 workers. This reflects heightened federal enforcement targeting sanctuary areas and immigrant labor industries across New England, disrupting communities and spotlighting labor shortages and legal challenges amid evolving immigration policies.
— By VisaVerge.com