Four arrested at protest against ICE at Williston facility

Four individuals were arrested Thursday during a protest at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) digital surveillance center in Williston, Vermont. The facility, located at 426 Industrial Avenue, is described by an ICE document as analyzing data to develop leads on noncitizens for field offices nationwide. This action is the latest in a string of protests against ICE's presence in Vermont, including an incident in February where 11 people were arrested and subsequently not prosecuted by Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George. Protesters, who blocked entrances to the business park, stated their intention was to impede ICE's operations and called on the building's ownership and management to reconsider their lease agreement with the agency. Property manager Normand Stanislas confirmed that police were asked to remove the protesters from inside the building after they refused to leave, and expressed disappointment over the lack of prosecution for previous arrests. Protester Peter Booth claimed the action succeeded in hindering ICE's activities for the day, while Rev. Becca Girrell condemned the surveillance as immoral. An unnamed ICE spokesperson affirmed support for peaceful protest but condemned actions obstructing federal operations. The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) leases the space from White Cap Ventures, LLC, which is owned by J. Graham Goldsmith, at an annual cost of about $860,000. Those arrested are expected to appear in court in Burlington on June 30.