(BURLINGTON, VERMONT) More than 100 Vermonters packed a public meeting at Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV), urging officials to stop ICE detainee transfers. The August 6 Airport Commission session turned into a tense forum over transparency, legal rights, and local control.
Residents say pre-dawn transfers through non-public doors hide people from view and cut off access to lawyers. They want the Burlington Airport Commission to act now, even as officials say immigration enforcement sits under federal authority. Activists displayed a large “We See Something. We Say Something” banner inside the terminal to press their case.
What happened at the meeting
- Dozens of speakers testified for hours, asking leaders to block ICE from using BTV for detainee transfers.
- Aviation Director Nic Longo thanked the public for speaking and said the airport is “working to address concerns within our legal limits,” but he did not promise to stop transfers.
- TSA and Burlington Police Department staff present at the airport declined to intervene in ICE operations or verify transfer legality, according to activists.
What activists report
- Videos appear to show ICE agents moving detainees through restricted entrances during pre-dawn hours. Advocates say the secrecy raises due process and human rights concerns.
- A public, crowd-sourced database claims over 500 people have been transferred out of Vermont through BTV since January 2025. The dataset relies on state inmate locators, federal court filings, DOJ press releases, and direct observation; Vermont Public has not independently verified the total.
- In the last month, activists say three separate groups left Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility for flights at BTV. Court filings exist for only a few of these transfers, suggesting many lacked a hearing before transfer.
Current official stance
- Airport officials say they cannot direct federal immigration actions. They add they’re exploring steps to help detainees reach legal help, but no policy change has been adopted.
- TSA and Burlington Police do not confirm or challenge ICE’s legal authority at the airport.
- Legal representation remains limited: only about 43% of the 852 pending immigration cases tied to Vermont addresses had lawyers as of June 2025, according to TRAC data frequently cited by advocates.
Why it matters for families
- Transfers often happen quickly and at odd hours. Families may not know where their loved one is going or when they can speak with them.
- Without a lawyer, people can miss key defenses such as:
- Asylum claims
- Protection under the Convention Against Torture
- Relief for long-time residents with U.S. children
- If someone misses a legal filing or hearing because they’re moved without notice, they can receive an order of removal in their absence.
What detainees and supporters can do now
- Ask for a lawyer as soon as contact is possible. If finances are tight, call local groups such as Migrant Justice or the Vermont chapter of the ACLU for referrals.
- Keep A-numbers and case details in one place. Family members should save every document and date.
- If a transfer seems imminent, request time to contact counsel. Some people carry a small card listing their attorney’s name and number to present to officers.
- Check the immigration case status online and consider filing a motion to change venue if transferred out of state after a case has begun, with advice from counsel.
Official context on ICE transfers
- There’s no recent federal policy change that stops ICE from using local airports for detainee transport in Vermont. Airport managers generally don’t control federal movements through secure areas.
- Federal law places immigration enforcement with DHS and ICE. Local agencies often cite legal limits on their ability to restrict those operations on airport property.
Aviation Director response and community push
Nic Longo says the airport is looking at options to improve access to legal help. Possible steps include:
– Posting information about legal resources in areas where detainees may pass.
– Working with community groups to establish a rapid-response hotline.
– Designating a point of contact at the airport for time-sensitive legal notifications.
Advocates want more. They ask the Burlington Airport Commission to adopt a formal policy that:
– Requires immediate notice to detained individuals about their right to contact a lawyer and family.
– Allows verified attorneys quick access to clients before boarding.
– Publishes a log of transfers with de-identified data to improve transparency while respecting privacy.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, public pressure campaigns at local airports in other states have pushed city officials to review lease terms, contractor roles, and police cooperation policies. While outcomes vary, advocates say local standards can improve fairness even when they don’t stop federal flights.
What federal authorities say
- ICE had not issued a statement specific to Burlington as of August 7.
- Nationally, ICE says transfers help manage detention space, medical needs, and court access.
- Advocates counter that secrecy and late-night moves block due process and strain families.
Understanding due process (in simple terms)
- Due process means the government must follow fair steps before taking away someone’s liberty or ordering removal.
- For people in immigration custody, this often includes:
- Access to a lawyer (not government-paid)
- A chance to present a case
- Time to contact family
- When transfers happen quickly or quietly, these steps can be harder to follow.
How to find official information
- Families can review DHS and ICE detention guidance and ask facility staff for transfer policies.
- For a broader overview of immigration enforcement processes, see the DHS page on immigration enforcement priorities on the Department of Homeland Security website.
- If you need to apply for asylum, consult the USCIS page and use the Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal (Form I-589), available at: https://www.uscis.gov/i-589
Impacts on Vermont communities
- Trust: Using local infrastructure for federal transfers strains relationships between residents and authorities. People may fear reporting crimes or seeking services if they worry about immigration actions at public places.
- Schools and employers: Sudden transfers can pull parents or workers away with no notice, disrupting classrooms and workplaces.
- Public resources: Advocates and legal aid groups face heavier caseloads, while volunteers monitor the airport at odd hours.
What the Burlington Airport Commission could consider next
- Publish a clear statement about its limited authority and the steps it will take to protect access to counsel on airport property.
- Establish a written protocol with contacts for legal triage when ICE movements occur at Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV).
- Host quarterly public updates on transfer activity and community concerns.
- Invite federal partners to brief the community, answer questions, and address claims about non-public routes and pre-dawn schedules.
Voices from the room
- “People are being moved out of the public eye and without due process,” one advocate told the commission, referencing videos of pre-dawn movements and the public database.
- “We hear the concern, and we are working within our legal limits,” Aviation Director Nic Longo said, noting the federal role in immigration enforcement and the airport’s interest in supporting access to legal help.
The bottom line
The Burlington Airport Commission faces intense pressure to curb ICE use of BTV. Officials say federal jurisdiction limits their power, but local steps—like posting legal resources, creating rapid-response protocols, and improving communication—could make a real difference for detainees and families.
Immediate steps for families and supporters
- Keep the A-number handy and share it with a trusted contact.
- Call a lawyer early; ask about motions that can protect rights after transfer.
- Document every interaction and ask for receipts or names of officers when possible.
- Stay in touch with local advocacy groups maintaining the transfer database and offering support.
The debate over ICE operations at Burlington will continue. In the weeks ahead, watch for whether the Burlington Airport Commission adopts a policy, how TSA and Burlington Police respond to requests for clarity, and whether ICE publicly addresses community claims about secrecy and due process at BTV.
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