Burlington added to Department of Homeland Security's list of sanctuary jurisdictions
Burlington has been added to the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) list of sanctuary jurisdictions. The list keeps track of places referred to as "sanctuaries" for immigrants, defying federal law according to the Trump administration.
According to Executive Order 14287, a sanctuary jurisdiction is defined as states, counties or cities that "obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration laws."
The executive order was created to identify and keep track of communities allegedly defying federal immigration law by monitoring factors like "compliance with federal law enforcement, information restrictions and legal protections for illegal aliens."
According to the executive order, each jurisdiction will receive formal notification of its non-compliance with federal statutes. DHS demands that these jurisdictions immediately review and revise their policies to align with federal immigration laws and "renew their obligation to protect American citizens, not dangerous illegal aliens."
Burlington mayor responds
Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak released a statement May 30 addressing this inclusion of the Queen City on the list.
'The City of Burlington remains confident that our Fair and Impartial Policing Policy does not violate federal law and is in furtherance of our obligation to keep our community safe," she wrote.
She said that Burlington has had a Fair and Impartial Policing policy for years, a policy that offers guidance to law enforcement officers to prevent discrimination on the basis of protected classifications and provides "explicit" clarity that the local police agency is not charged with enforcement of civil immigration law.
The Burlington Police Commission has been recently considering revisions to the policy. Burlington City Council decided to deviate from the statewide policy and adopted its own policy that limited cooperation with federal immigration authorities. However, that policy lapsed in 2024 and the city reverted back to the statewide standard. The police commission is in conversation to draft a new policy and send it to Vermont Criminal Justice Council by the end of June.
Mulvaney-Stanak said the policy is crucial for maintaining trust between the community and Burlington Police. She said Burlington is proud to welcome immigrants and refugees to the city and will not back down from ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the community.
Where else in Vermont is considered a sanctuary jurisdiction?
Burlington is joined by Montpelier and Winooski on this list. The entire state is identified on the list as a State Sanctuary Jurisdiction. No specific counties are identified.
Sydney P. Hakes is the Burlington city reporter. Contact her at SHakes@gannett.com.
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