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Officials condemn ICE’s actions at violent Vermont protest, while advocates question state’s role – The Boston Globe

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Officials condemn ICE’s actions at violent Vermont protest, while advocates question state’s role – The Boston Globe


Meanwhile, new details emerged about the day-long skirmish, which included a lengthy standoff outside a residence in South Burlington, the detention of three undocumented immigrants, none of whom were the original target, and the use of pepper spray and flashbang devices for crowd control.

Local and state police said the incident began around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, when US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents sought to detain a man they believed to be Deyvi Daniel Corona-Sanchez, a Mexican citizen who had previously been deported and subsequently charged with driving under the influence in Vermont.

Federal officials pursued a car they believed Corona-Sanchez was driving in a busy neighborhood of South Burlington. The driver crashed into multiple vehicles, including two driven by federal agents, and then escaped on foot. Authorities surrounded a nearby house into which they said the driver had fled.

ICE operation in Vermont leads to violent clashes between protesters and police

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A daylong protest over an immigration enforcement operation escalated into a chaotic confrontation between activists and police late Wednesday. (Video by Paul Heintz Globe Staff)

Occupants refused to let federal agents into the house without a warrant and, with assistance from the advocacy group Migrant Justice, summoned supporters to block the doors. Over the course of the day, the crowd swelled to more than 200 people singing and chanting as more law enforcement officers arrived.

Just after 5 p.m., an unidentified federal agent told the crowd a federal judge had issued a criminal arrest warrant for Corona-Sanchez and ordered them to disperse. Vermont state troopers wearing tactical gear cleared a path through the protesters, allowing federal agents to enter the house — and leave a short time later with three people.

Protesters sought to prevent federal agents and police from departing by blocking their vehicles while officers wrestled some protesters to the ground, pepper-sprayed them, and deployed flashbangs. At least three protesters were cited for criminal trespass, according to Vermont State Police.

On Thursday, the US attorney in Vermont said the three people detained inside the house did not include Corona-Sanchez. And, according to Rachel Elliott, a spokesperson for Migrant Justice, Corona-Sanchez no longer owned the car, was not driving it on Wednesday, nor was inside the house raided by agents.

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Rather, Elliott said, the occupants included two women from Ecuador, one man from Honduras, and two minors. She said the man, Christian Jerez-Andrade, was among the passengers in the car, along with one of the minors, a 17-year-old boy. According to Elliott, the driver of the car, whom she did not identify, never entered the house. The other minor, a young girl, was spirited out of the house Wednesday afternoon, before the protest escalated.

Jerez-Andrade and the two women were being held in Vermont prisons Thursday. Their attorneys filed petitions in court seeking to keep them in Vermont, and federal judges granted their requests later that day.

State and federal police gathered outside of a home in South Burlington on Wednesday.Paul Heintz/Globe Staff

Elliott described a harrowing scene inside the house. She said the 17-year-old “watched armed officers chase people through the home.” At one point, she said, a federal agent tripped and accidentally discharged their service weapon.

ICE did not respond to a request for comment.

Top officials in the state blasted federal agents for initiating the raid and confronting protesters, all while failing to achieve their initial objective of detaining Corona-Sanchez.

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“President Trump’s domestic army, ICE, came into Vermont yesterday from out of state and, as is virtually always the case, acted in an irresponsible, reckless and unprofessional manner,” said Senators Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch, as well as Representative Becca Balint, in a statement.

Governor Phil Scott, a Republican who has long distanced himself from the Trump administration, called the incident “totally unnecessary,” and said the actions of federal law enforcement “further demonstrates a lack of training, coordination, leadership, and outdated tactics which put both peaceful protesters and Vermont law enforcement in a difficult situation.”

He thanked local and State Police, but he criticized “those there to agitate,” an apparent reference to protesters, some of whom threw water bottles and other objects at police vehicles.

Sarah George, the county prosecutor, called for the US attorney’s office to investigate the conduct of federal agents, a sentiment echoed by other officials.

One statewide officeholder, Treasurer Mike Pieciak — a Democrat viewed as a potential challenger to Scott — went a step further, calling for an independent investigation of both federal and state law enforcement.

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“Who made the decision and why was the decision made for the State Police to get involved in an immigration enforcement matter?” he said in an interview.

State and local police agencies in Vermont are required to follow Fair and Impartial Policing policies, which limit the extent to which they can cooperate with federal authorities on immigration matters. Pieciak questioned whether Vermont State Police might have run afoul of those policies when they pushed through the crowd so ICE agents could reach the house.

A protester outside an immigration enforcement action in South Burlington, Vt., on Wednesday recovered from the apparent use of pepper spray by police.Paul Heintz/Globe Photo

“It seems like the State Police were providing the pathway, providing the opportunity for ICE agents to get into the house and conduct their search or try to execute on their arrest warrant,” he said. “And without the State Police, that would not have happened.”

But Vermont Public Safety Commissioner Jennifer Morrison, who oversees the State Police, took issue with the notion her officers facilitated the arrests.

“We did not help ICE get into the house,” she said. Rather, state troopers “created a safe corridor” through which federal agents could move, she said, “and make their way to the door, where they handled the operation exclusively.”

Protesters blocked a law enforcement vehicle during the stand off on Wednesday.Paul Heintz/Globe Photo

Morrison said her agency made the assessment, based on similar protests throughout the country, that without its involvement, federal agents were more likely to use “techniques . . . that could have harmed Vermonters.”

Lia Ernst, legal director for the ACLU of Vermont, said she was skeptical local and State Police were focused on keeping protesters safe and protecting the First Amendment.

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“When they’re gearing up in masks and tactical gear, that doesn’t feel to me like an agency preparing to do those things,” Ernst said, calling for a “full and thorough” investigation.

At least one local officer was already facing scrutiny Thursday.

Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, whose police department assisted at Wednesday’s incident, said the city was reviewing the actions of a Burlington officer “who has been accused of using excessive force against protesters.”

She appeared to be referring to an officer pictured in a video circulating on social media who grabbed a woman by the arm, swung her around, and slammed her to the curb. The woman, Gwendolyn Heaghney, 33, of Winooski, said she had been trying to remove a mask from a fellow protester who was being led away by police in order to help him breathe.

“It was just like crazy whiplash,” she said Thursday as she sought treatment at a local hospital. “I’ve never really been in a physical fight, but he grabbed my arm, twisted it, and my whole body went with him.”

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Heaghney said she hoped to see “something other than milquetoast” statements from politicians and police.

“I want to see some accountability,” she said.


Paul Heintz can be reached at paul.heintz@globe.com. Follow him on X @paulheintz.





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Vermont

Debate over ICE masking bill complicates, for a moment, end of session in the Vermont House – VTDigger

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Debate over ICE masking bill complicates, for a moment, end of session in the Vermont House – VTDigger


Protesters and ICE agents in South Burlington in March 2026. File photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger

We’re outta here

That’s all, folks.

The Vermont Legislature adjourned for the year, and for the 2025-26 biennium, Friday night. Senators finished up their work just before 6 p.m., and the House followed suit two hours later. I’m not complaining about the time. I was happy, in fact, to be on the road home with a sliver of daylight left.

The House took longer to finish in part because its adjournment got tangled up in a bill, ultimately doomed, that as originally proposed would have barred federal officers such as ICE agents from wearing masks.

The bill, S.208, emerged from a joint House and Senate conference committee Thursday. In order for the latest version of the legislation to be taken up on the floor so soon after, though, the House needed to suspend its rules. Such a procedural move needs three-quarters approval. And while rules suspensions are common late in the session, when it came to taking up S.208 “for immediate consideration,” that was not the case.

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House lawmakers voted 81-51 in favor of expediting the bill’s timeline, falling 18 short of the 99 needed to meet the threshold to cast aside the chamber’s rules.

After that, the House took up and passed, with no debate, this year’s budget bill, H.951. Then, House Speaker Jill Krowinski, in her last floor session holding the gavel, brought up the last thing lawmakers had to approve for the year: a resolution formally dictating the terms of adjournment.

But some lawmakers weren’t ready to be done with S.208. Rep. Brian Cina, P/D-Burlington, stood and asked for a roll call vote on the adjournment resolution itself, “due to the important impact of S.208 on our open democracy.” 

His comments mirrored those of several senators earlier in the night who had lamented on the chamber floor how the bill was falling by the wayside. The Senate also adjourned without taking any floor action on the compromise version of S.208.

Ultimately, 15 other House members joined Cina voting against the adjournment resolution in a vote of 114-16. After it was approved, the rest of the formalities of adjournment played out, including a requisite speech from Gov. Phil Scott.

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“I’m going to try and make this brief,” the governor said at the outset of his remarks. “I guarantee it’ll take less time than it did to roll call the adjournment address.”

Beyond debate over S.208, adjournment in both chambers was marked by emotional farewell remarks from Krowinski, D-Burlington, and Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth, D/P-Chittenden Central, both of whom aren’t seeking reelection.

Krowinski said her favorite memories from her 14 years in the House have been “the quieter moments most Vermonters never witness,” such as “members helping one another through difficult days, offering support regardless of politics and members coming together to support a colleague through a rough time.”

Baruth at times teared up as he recounted his 16 years in the Senate. And the English professor closed his speech with a nod to some of his favorite literature.

“It will hurt not to find my seat when the bell rings next session,” Baruth said. “But even Frodo Baggins — and you know that ‘The Lord of the Rings’ means everything to me — even Frodo Baggins knew when it was time to follow Bilbo to the Grey Havens.”

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OK, our turn now

VTDigger reporters fanned out this session to bring you the news from Montpelier. Clockwise from top left, Shaun Robinson, Ethan Weinstein, Charlotte Oliver and Corey McDonald. File photos by Glenn Russell/VTDigger

Before we go, some thanks are in order. 

Putting together an originally-reported newsletter every day of the session — on top of the traditional news stories our readers expect — is no easy task. While you’re used to seeing my byline, and that of our fearless Statehouse Bureau Chief, Ethan Weinstein, there are a host of others who make this work possible. 

Several other VTDigger reporters took the lead on issues of Final Reading this year, including Charlotte Oliver, Olivia Gieger, Theo Wells-Spackman and Corey McDonald. Meanwhile, ace photographer Glenn Russell captured many of the moments — like this one — that defined this year’s session.

Chad Lorenz, contributing editor on the politics desk, and Ruth Hare, VTDigger’s managing editor, brought their decades of experience and watchful eyes to each day’s newsletter. Noel Clark, VTDigger’s digital editor, and Night Editor Nathan Allen turned the plain text of a Google Doc into the email that landed in your inbox every night. Taylor Haynes, the newsroom’s audience and product director, made sure that email looked as good as it did. 

And of course, we’re grateful to all of you — almost 8,000 subscribers — who turned to this newsletter, and do so year after year, to stay on top of the news under the Golden Dome.

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If Final Reading has helped you cut through the noise and understand our government better, please consider supporting VTDigger in an amount that works for you. 

This week, every donation helps fund our reporting and provides a new book to a Vermont child through the Children’s Literacy Foundation. 

Reliable information matters. So does helping young readers discover the power of reading. Today you can support both with one donation. Pretty cool!

— VTD editors

While we’re gone

Even though the legislative session lasts just five months, our coverage of state government and politics is year-round. Your tips and pitches help us find the stories readers care about and that need to be brought to light. So don’t be a stranger, even if it’s just a little harder to reach us than flagging us down in the Statehouse hallways.

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Reach me at srobinson@vtdigger.org and Ethan at eweinstein@vtdigger.org. You can send a secure tip on our website here, and find other reporters’ contact information here.

Until next year!

— Shaun Robinson





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Why VT students are signing letters of intent with local employers

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Why VT students are signing letters of intent with local employers


Students who plan to enter the workforce after graduation are being celebrated at the Northwest Career & Technical Center’s 2026 Skilled Trades Signing Day.

The event is scheduled for 1 to 2:30 p.m. June 5 in the BFA Saint Albans Gymnasium, according to a community announcement.

Modeled after collegiate athletic signing days, the event will feature students signing “letters of intent” with future employers. The ceremony aims to recognize students for their hard work, technical skill development and commitment to pursuing careers in Vermont’s workforce.

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Students from various programs at the Northwest Career & Technical Center are expected to participate, including those entering fields such as electrical, construction, cosmetology and engineering.

Participating students and their future employers include:

  • Theodore DeCiantis – Alliance Group (Electrical)
  • Nolan Howrigan – BP Construction
  • Lexie Lemieux – Downtown Cuts
  • Brayden Rooney – Engineers Construction Inc.
  • Hunter Gagne – Engineers Construction Inc.
  • Nicholas Boomhower – Engineers Construction Inc.
  • Quinton Nicholas – Handy Toyota
  • Natalie Powers – Hayward Tyler
  • Kaleb Bocash – Hazelett
  • Damien Callan – Husky
  • Hailey Carey – Jubilance Salon
  • Hallie Robtoy – Jubilance Salon
  • Ryiah Gaudiaso – Lake Shore Hair
  • Kris Mumert – MEI Electrical Contractors
  • Logan Little – Milton CAT
  • Alisa Freighberger – Nail Nook
  • Jonas Wagner – Omega Electric
  • Collin Langevin – PC Construction
  • Vernon Ouellette – PC Construction
  • Brandon Murray – RPM Engines
  • Wyatt Blake – United Ag & Turf
  • Edan Peters – VHV
  • Owen de Jesús López – VHV
  • Grace Robert – Villa Rehab Center

“We are incredibly proud of these students and the opportunities they have earned,” said Lisa Durocher, assistant director at Northwest Career & Technical Center. “This event highlights the value of career and technical education and the strong partnerships we have with local employers who are investing in the next generation of skilled professionals.”

The Northwest Career & Technical Center, located in St. Albans, provides career and technical education opportunities for high school students and adult learners throughout northwestern Vermont. Programs include automotive technology, building trades, cosmetology, culinary arts, digital media, electrical, engineering technologies, human services, medical professions, outdoor technology and public safety and law enforcement.

This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.

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Essex’s Hannah Knickerbocker and Burlington’s Niah LeMay capture singles titles

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Essex’s Hannah Knickerbocker and Burlington’s Niah LeMay capture singles titles


The 2026 individual Vermont High School tennis tournaments concluded on Sunday, May 31 with a quartet of first-time winners.

Both girls match-ups went to a third set tiebreak with Essex senior Hannah Knickerbocker capturing her elusive title. Burlington High School swept the boys singles and doubles tournaments becoming the first school to accomplish that feat since St. Johnsbury did it in 2019.

Read on below for a recap from both tournaments’ finals.

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Hannah Knickerbocker upsets top-seed in final; while Stowe’s freshman tandem wins doubles

In the last two individual tournaments, Hannah Knickerbocker advanced to the semifinals before her run ended there. This past offseason, Knickerbocker spent a lot more time honing her tennis skills. With a stronger tennis IQ, Knickerbocker cruised into the finals with a trio of straight set wins.

“Consistency and shot choice,” Knickerbocker said. “I think I improved with knowing when to go for a win and when not too.”

There Knickerbocker earned a match with No. 1 seeded Anna Dauerman from Champlain Valley, the 2024 champion and last year’s runner-up. The match was competitive with Knickerbocker winning a three-set thriller 6-4, 4-6, 10-8, becoming the first female Hornet to win an individual title since 2007.

The skills Knickerbocker worked on in the offseason paid off in her match against Dauerman.

“Anna’s a really hard fighter so a lot of balls come back and if you go for too much on the wrong one then she would beat you,” Knickerbocker said.

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This is Knickerbocker’s fifth state title overall after winning the Division I girls volleyball championships all four years of high school. The 2024 Vermont Gatorade Player of the Year in volleyball is pivoting to a stronger focus on tennis. Knickerbocker will be playing Division I tennis at the University of New Haven starting next school year.

While Knickerbocker saw this part of her career end on a high note, the doubles champions of India Freund and Belle Gaines from Stowe hope to usher in a new wave of tennis talent. The freshmen tandem, partnered up for the first time this season for the individual tournament and won three straight matches to reach the final.

Then in the championship, Freund and Gaines took down Champlain Valley’s tandem of Sara DiGuglielmo and Justyna Amblo in three sets, 7-6 (7-3), 0-6, 12-10. The duo built on the momentum they gained from their three-set victory over Essex’s team into May 31’s final.

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“We both like high-pressure situations, so maybe that’s what we needed to play our best tennis,” Freund said.

Freund and Gaines are great friends on and off the court who play tennis together all year around making this a tandem a formidable duo. Freund and Gaines showed maturity after getting crushed in the second set to squeeze out the win in the tiebreaker.

“It was really impressive of us to not get in our heads and it did for a bit,” Gaines said.

Burlington sweeps the boys singles and doubles finals

The boys tennis had some drama with rain forcing an interruption of the matches’ at Leddy Park to drive over to the The EDGE Sports & Fitness in Essex. Still the pause (that was almost two hours for the double players) did not affect the players in the lead.

No. 3 Niah LeMay held a 4-2 lead in set 1 entering the weather related intermission against teammate and top-ranked Oscar Crainich. LeMay did not let the pause phase him or interrupt his momentum.

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“Just a lot of deep breaths and tried not to think about it,” LeMay said. “I turned on the radio and listened to some music.”

The sophomore bested his teammate in straight sets with a 6-3, 7-5 victory. In his run to the title, LeMay knocked off the top-two seeds. The only set he has lost all season came against No. 2 Charles Young from Middlebury in the semifinals. LeMay brought the energy with passionate bursts of emotion after nailing a tough shot.

LeMay becomes the first male Seahorse to win an individual title since 2004. It’s the first time since 2015 that the singles final featured two members from the same school. LeMay and Crainich have been rotating between the No. 1 and No. 2 single spots for Burlington this year after helping the Seahorses capture the 2025 team title.

“I have only beaten him once in the past,” LeMay said. “It felt really good to beat him since he’s one of my main competitors if not my main competitor.”

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The winning for Burlington did not stop at singles. The Seahorses No. 3 ranked doubles tandem of Miles Kenny and Ben Koh captured the championship as well sweeping No. 1 Middlebury Nate Cook-Yoder and Nathan Stefani 6-4, 7-5.

The weather pause came after the Seahorses claimed the first set. It’s the second straight year Burlington claimed the doubles title. This is Kenny and Koh’s second championship this spring after helping Burlington win the 2026 Unified Basketball title earlier in May.

Contact Judith Altneu at JAltneu@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter: @Judith_Altneu.





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