Vermont
A high-level overview of immigration enforcement activity, school protection policies, and resources for families and educators in Vermont.
Overview
State context
Vermont is among the most protective states for immigrant communities. Burlington has been a sanctuary city for decades. The state has enacted protections limiting cooperation with civil immigration enforcement. ICE activity is very limited. The state's small immigrant and refugee community benefits from strong community and government support.
ICE activity
ICE activity in Vermont is among the lowest in the nation. Border Patrol operates along the Canadian border, and there have been enforcement incidents in the Burlington area, but the overall scale is minimal.
School policies
Burlington School District and other Vermont districts have adopted welcoming school practices. The state has been generally supportive of protective policies. No high-profile enforcement incidents have created urgency for formal school-specific policies, but the disposition is protective.
Notes for advocates
Vermont's small but growing refugee and immigrant community includes families from Bhutan, Somalia, and various other countries resettled through federal programs. The state's progressive political culture and small size allow for strong community support for immigrant families.
Is your district protected?
Find out whether your school district has a warrant-based policy in place, and what you can do if it doesn't.