Immigration Arrests Reveal Vulnerabilities of Vermont Dairy Farmworkers

Key Takeaways

• On April 21, 2025, eight migrant dairy workers were arrested at Pleasant Valley Farms in Vermont.
• Four workers have been deported; others face bond hearings or detention in Texas or New Hampshire.
• Vermont dairy farms rely heavily on immigrant labor, with no legal visa for year-round dairy workers.

A major immigration enforcement action in Vermont has brought national attention to the risks faced by dairy farmworkers and the state’s reliance on immigrant labor. On April 21, 2025, eight migrant workers were arrested at Pleasant Valley Farms in Berkshire, Vermont, in what advocates have called the largest single immigration enforcement action against farmworkers in recent Vermont history. This event has exposed the vulnerabilities of dairy farmworkers, sparked strong reactions from state officials, and raised urgent questions about the future of Vermont’s dairy industry.

What Happened: The Arrests at Pleasant Valley Farms

The incident began when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) responded to a local resident’s report of two people with backpacks crossing a wooded area near Pleasant Valley Farms. During their search, CBP agents found and arrested eight farmworkers, all living together in a trailer on the farm. None of the workers were charged with any crimes. Instead, they were detained for immigration reasons.

The workers, aged 22 to 41, had come to Vermont seeking better lives for themselves and their families. According to Migrant Justice, a group supporting farmworkers, these individuals were part of the backbone of Vermont’s dairy industry.

What Happened Next: Deportations, Detentions, and Legal Battles

As of May 15, 2025, the situation for the eight arrested farmworkers has changed in several ways:

• Four workers—Luis Enrique Gomez-Aguilar (28), Urillas Sargento (32), Dani Alvarez-Perez (22), and Juan Javier Rodriguez-Gomez (41)—have been deported to Mexico.
• Diblaim Maximo Sargento-Morales (30) was released on a $1,500 bond by a federal immigration judge in Massachusetts.
• Three others—Jesús Mendez Hernandez (25), Adrian Zunun-Joachin (22), and José Edilberto Molina-Aguilar (37)—were moved from a local prison to the Karnes County Immigration Processing Center in Texas.
• Hernandez and Zunun-Joachin are still waiting for bond hearings.
• Molina-Aguilar’s bond hearing was moved to Texas, a decision criticized by his lawyer as unfair.

In a related case, Arbey Lopez Lopez (35) was arrested on April 9 while delivering groceries to workers at the same farm. He is currently held at the Federal Correctional Institution in Berlin, New Hampshire.

Why Vermont’s Dairy Industry Relies on Immigrant Labor

Vermont’s dairy industry depends heavily on immigrant workers, many of whom are undocumented. Here are some key facts:

• Between 750 and 850 migrant workers are estimated to work on Vermont dairy farms.
• Some sources suggest the number may be as high as 1,500 Latino immigrants, including family members, working or living on Vermont farms.
• At Pleasant Valley Farms, about 40% of the 90 employees are people not born in the United States 🇺🇸.
• Nationally, immigrants make up 51% of all dairy workers.
• Dairies that employ immigrant labor produce 79% of the U.S. milk supply.
• In Idaho, about 90% of dairy farm workers are from other countries, according to Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association.

These numbers show that without immigrant labor, Vermont’s dairy farms—and the national milk supply—would struggle to survive.

Why Dairy Farmworkers Are Especially Vulnerable

Dairy farmworkers face unique legal challenges. Unlike seasonal farmworkers who can apply for H-2A visas (temporary work permits for farm labor), dairy workers have no legal path to work in the United States 🇺🇸. This is because dairy farming is a year-round job, not a seasonal one.

• There is no visa program for year-round dairy workers.
• The National Milk Producers Federation has asked Congress to create a permanent legal status for current dairy workers and their families, as well as a guestworker program for future workers.
• Former Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy tried several times to pass such laws, but none have succeeded.

This gap in immigration law leaves dairy farmworkers in a constant state of uncertainty. They can be arrested and deported at any time, even if they have lived and worked in Vermont for years.

The Trump Administration’s Approach to Immigration Enforcement

The recent arrests in Vermont happened as part of a broader push for stricter immigration enforcement under President Trump. He has promised a mass deportation program and has increased enforcement activity since taking office.

• ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) has been conducting more “targeted operations” in nearby states like New York.
• In March 2025, ICE arrested four adults and three children at a dairy farm in Sackets Harbor, New York.
• These actions have made many farmworkers and farmers in Vermont worried about what might happen next.

How Vermont Officials and the Community Responded

The arrests have drawn strong reactions from Vermont’s leaders and the local community.

State Officials Speak Out

• Governor Phil Scott, a Republican, said migrant workers are “an essential part of our communities” and called for immigration reform.
• Governor Scott added, “While I believe those who are here illegally and are committing serious crimes should be detained, I don’t believe we should be targeting those who are here peacefully.”
• Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbetts warned that more than half of Vermont’s dairy labor force consists of migrant workers and that the industry depends on their work.

Community Support for Farmworkers

• More than 6,000 people signed a petition asking for the farmworkers’ release.
• About 90 state lawmakers, including top leaders in the Vermont Senate and House, signed a letter supporting the release of all nine men (including Arbey Lopez Lopez).
• Migrant Justice has been providing legal help and organizing advocacy for the detained workers.

These actions show that many people in Vermont see immigrant farmworkers as neighbors and vital members of their communities, not just as laborers.

What Farmers and Industry Leaders Are Saying

Dairy farmers in Vermont and across the country are deeply concerned about the impact of immigration arrests on their businesses.

Farmers’ Concerns

• Many farmers are afraid to speak publicly about immigration for fear of drawing attention to themselves.
• John Roberts, a former Vermont dairy farmer, said he doubts President Trump would risk angering farmers by arresting all their workers.
• Professor Dan Baker from the University of Vermont explained that if a farm loses its workers, it can quickly go out of business.
• Amanda St. Pierre, co-owner of Pleasant Valley Farms, said the farm continues to support all its employees.

Industry Advocacy

Dairy industry groups are pushing for changes to immigration law:

• The Idaho Dairy Association wants legal pathways for existing immigrant workers and their families, plus a multiple-year visa program.
• The National Milk Producers Federation wants “stable workers” who can stay for a full year and return after that.
• Industry leaders say that even small reforms would help, since Congress has not passed comprehensive immigration reform.

The Human Impact: Real Lives, Real Risks

The recent immigration arrests in Vermont have put a spotlight on the daily risks faced by dairy farmworkers. Many of these workers have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for years, built families, and become part of their local communities. Yet, because of gaps in immigration law, they live with the constant fear of arrest and deportation.

• Workers like Luis Enrique Gomez-Aguilar, Urillas Sargento, Dani Alvarez-Perez, and Juan Javier Rodriguez-Gomez have already been deported, separated from their jobs and communities.
• Others, like Diblaim Maximo Sargento-Morales, have been released on bond but face uncertain futures.
• Some, like Jesús Mendez Hernandez and Adrian Zunun-Joachin, are still waiting for bond hearings, unsure if they will be allowed to stay or forced to leave.

These stories are not unique to Vermont. Across the United States 🇺🇸, thousands of dairy farmworkers face similar challenges every day.

What’s Next: Legal and Policy Developments

The situation for Vermont’s dairy farmworkers remains uncertain, with several important developments to watch:

1. Bond Hearings: The outcomes of bond hearings for Hernandez and Zunun-Joachin will decide if they can be released or face deportation.
2. Case Transfers: The transfer of Molina-Aguilar’s case to Texas raises questions about whether workers can get fair legal help when moved far from their communities.
3. Industry Impact: Farmers and advocates are watching to see if these arrests are the start of a new pattern of enforcement or just an isolated event.
4. State Legislation: The Vermont House has given early approval to a bill that would give the governor more say in whether local or state police can work with federal immigration authorities.

These developments will shape the future for dairy farmworkers, farmers, and the entire Vermont dairy industry.

What Can Be Done: Resources and Next Steps

For farmworkers, farmers, and community members seeking more information or help, several resources are available:

• Legal Help: Organizations like Migrant Justice provide legal support and advocacy for farmworkers facing immigration arrests.
• Official Information: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website offers information about immigration forms and processes. For example, the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers Program explains the visa available for seasonal farmworkers, though it does not cover dairy workers.
• Community Support: Local petitions, advocacy groups, and lawmakers can help raise awareness and push for policy changes.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Vermont arrests highlight the urgent need for immigration reform that addresses the unique needs of dairy farmworkers and the industries that depend on them.

The Bigger Picture: Immigration, Agriculture, and Human Rights

The story of immigration arrests in Vermont is about more than just one farm or a handful of workers. It is about the intersection of immigration policy, agricultural economics, and human rights. Dairy farmworkers are essential to Vermont’s economy and the nation’s food supply, yet they remain among the most vulnerable workers in the country.

• Without immigrant labor, Vermont’s dairy industry would struggle to survive.
• Current immigration laws do not provide a legal path for year-round dairy workers.
• Enforcement actions can separate families, disrupt businesses, and harm local communities.

The debate over immigration arrests, Vermont, and dairy farmworkers is far from over. As lawmakers, industry leaders, and community members continue to discuss solutions, the lives and livelihoods of thousands of workers hang in the balance.

Takeaways and Practical Guidance

• If you are a dairy farmworker, know your rights and seek legal help if you are detained.
• Farmers should stay informed about changes in immigration enforcement and support their workers through legal and community resources.
• Community members can support farmworkers by signing petitions, contacting lawmakers, and joining advocacy efforts.
• For up-to-date information on immigration forms and programs, visit the official USCIS website.

The recent immigration arrests in Vermont have exposed the deep vulnerabilities of dairy farmworkers and the urgent need for policy solutions. The future of Vermont’s dairy industry—and the well-being of the people who make it possible—depends on finding a fair and workable path forward.

Learn Today

Immigration Enforcement → Government actions to enforce immigration laws, including detentions and deportations.
Dairy Farmworkers → Laborers working on dairy farms, often involving daily care and milking of cows.
H-2A Visa → Temporary agricultural work visa for seasonal farmworkers, not covering year-round dairy jobs.
Bond Hearing → Legal proceeding to decide if a detained immigrant can be released on bail.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency managing immigration laws and applications.

This Article in a Nutshell

The April 2025 immigration crackdown at Pleasant Valley Farms spotlighted dairy workers’ vulnerabilities and Vermont’s dependence on immigrant labor. Legal gaps force workers into constant deportation risk, while farmers and officials call for urgent immigration reforms to protect these essential community members and industry stability.
— By VisaVerge.com