Federal government Accuses Vermont of Operating as a Sanctuary Jurisdiction
Montpelier, Vermont – A dispute has erupted between the state of Vermont and the U.S. Attorney General’s Office over allegations that Vermont harbors policies that unlawfully impede federal immigration enforcement efforts. The controversy underscores a continuing national debate regarding so-called “sanctuary jurisdictions” and their impact on immigration law.
Federal Letter Alleges Unlawful Policies
A letter, dated August 13th, from Attorney General Pamela Bondi asserts that Vermont’s immigration-related practices run counter to federal law. The interaction accuses the state of fostering an surroundings where individuals are able to avoid the legal consequences of immigration violations. Bondi’s letter specifically states that Vermont’s policies “thwart federal immigration and enforcement to the detriment of the interests of the United States” and demands immediate compliance.
The Attorney General’s action extends beyond vermont, with similar notices reportedly dispatched to multiple communities nationwide, threatening potential legal repercussions, including criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and the withholding of federal funding if compliance is not achieved.
Vermont Disputes the claims
Governor Phil Scott’s office swiftly rejected the Attorney General’s assertions. Dustin Degree, a spokesperson for the Governor, stated unequivocally that Vermont is not a sanctuary state. He affirmed that no state law or policy exists that actively hinders the enforcement of federal immigration regulations.
Degree emphasized that Vermont law explicitly allows public agencies to fulfill federal immigration-related requirements under sections 1373 and 1644 of Title 8 of the U.S. Code. He further asserted that any previous policies conflicting with federal law have been abolished. Governor Scott is preparing a formal response to address the concerns raised in the letter.
Understanding Sanctuary Jurisdictions
The term “sanctuary jurisdiction” generally refers to cities, counties, or states with policies designed to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. These policies may include refusing to detain individuals on immigration holds or restricting local law enforcement from inquiring about a person’s immigration status.
According to the Migration Policy Institute, studies indicate that immigrants tend to have lower crime rates than the native-born population. However,recent reports from organizations like The Marshall Project highlight a surge in detentions and deportations of immigrants with minimal or no criminal records.
here’s a comparison of the lists of sanctuary jurisdictions released by the Department of Homeland Security:
| Date | Number of Jurisdictions Listed | notable Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | Over 500 | Included jurisdictions across a wide range of political affiliations. |
| August 2025 | 35 | Primarily Democratic-leaning jurisdictions; older list quietly removed from DHS website. |
Federal efforts to Target Sanctuary policies
This latest action stems from President Donald Trump’s April 28th executive order,which directed federal agencies to identify and address jurisdictions perceived as obstructing federal immigration enforcement. The Justice Department announced its latest list of 35 sanctuary jurisdictions on August 5th, including Vermont, as part of this ongoing initiative.
The Ongoing Debate Over Immigration Enforcement
The conflict between the federal government and states like Vermont reflects a broader, long-standing debate regarding immigration policy and the balance of power between federal and state authorities. Advocates for sanctuary policies argue they foster trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, leading to increased public safety. Opponents contend that such policies undermine federal law and create opportunities for individuals to evade deportation. The debate is likely to continue as long as immigration remains a contentious issue in American politics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sanctuary Jurisdictions
- What is a sanctuary jurisdiction? It’s a location that limits its cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts.
- does Vermont consider itself a sanctuary state? No, state officials maintain that Vermont does not have any policies that impede federal immigration law.
- What are the potential consequences for jurisdictions deemed to be in violation of federal immigration laws? Potential consequences include criminal charges,civil action,and the withholding of federal funds.
- What does 8 U.S.C. § 1373 address? This section of the U.S. Code prohibits state and local governments from prohibiting or restricting their officers from communicating or cooperating with federal immigration officials.
- Are immigrants more or less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born citizens? Studies, like those cited by the migration Policy institute, suggest immigrants generally have lower crime rates.
What role should state and local governments play in immigration enforcement? Should the federal government have the authority to penalize those that do not fully cooperate with its immigration policies?
Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s continue the conversation.
