Release: VAAP Fast-Tracks ICE Detention Defense Launch After a Second Record-Making ICE Action in as Many Months
MEDIA ADVISORY: May 30, 2025
VAAP to Host Urgent Training for Legal Volunteers Assisting ICE Detainees in Vermont Today at 8:00AM
WHAT: The Vermont Asylum Assistance Project (VAAP) is urgently hosting an informal virtual training this morning for pro bono attorneys, legal workers, and interpreters interested in providing volunteer legal orientation and screening to ICE detainees currently held in Vermont correctional facilities. Members of the press and allied organizations are welcome to RSVP to observe the training as VAAP prepares to deploy volunteer legal teams statewide.
WHEN: Friday, May 31, 2025 from 8:00–9:30 AM ET
WHERE: Microsoft Teams Link at www.vaapvt.org/calendar
WHY NOW: ICE detained 11 construction workers near Newport yesterday, and an additional seven ICE detainees were transferred today from Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility to Burlington Airport. VAAP confirmed that ICE detainees are now being held in multiple Vermont facilities, including Northwest State Correctional Facility (NWSCF) and CRCF. Immediate legal screening and Know Your Rights support are urgently needed.
DETAILS:
This is an informal training intended to orient legal volunteers to detention-based immigration legal support.
Participants are welcome to drop in and out as needed but will be asked to introduce themselves in the chat to maintain a secure space.
The training will be recorded and shared with attendees.
VAAP is coordinating with the Vermont Department of Corrections and the Legal Defense bar to clarify procedures for smooth and effective legal visitation.
Media Access: Journalists interested in observing the training or learning more about VAAP’s detention support response may RSVP by emailing info@vaapvt.org.
Witness footage and photos of recent ICE transfers are available upon request. Learn more at www.vaapvt.org.
—
MEDIA RELEASE: May 30, 2025
VAAP Fast-Tracks ICE Detention Defense Launch Amid Second Vermont Workplace Raid in as Many Months
BURLINGTON, VT — In response to a sudden spike in immigration enforcement activity, the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project (VAAP) has launched a rapid-response legal orientation and screening initiative for individuals detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Vermont correctional facilities. The launch comes on the heels of two major incidents in the past 24 hours: the arrest of 11 immigrant construction workers in Newport and the federally escorted transfer of seven ICE detainees from state custody to Chicago onto a commercial flight in Burlington.
This morning, VAAP trains pro bono attorneys, legal workers, and interpreters to conduct Know Your Rights (KYR) presentations and initial legal screenings for detained immigrants at risk of imminent transfer or removal. The goal, according to VAAP’s executive director, is harm reduction: “ICE cannot be the first or only voice explaining legal rights and options to people in custody,” Jill Martin Diaz said. Trained volunteers will help orient detainees, assess eligibility for relief, and facilitate warm referrals for legal services. While VAAP plans to begin directly representing detainees in bond proceedings later this year, new intake is temporarily paused until July while staff rotate through much-needed time off and triage existing caseloads.
VAAP scheduled the training on short notice in direct response to two alarming developments:
Yesterday, ICE detained 11 people who were working together as subcontractors on a private construction site in Newport. The individuals were reportedly subcontracted through Patriot Building Systems of Londonderry, NH. On information and belief, the detainees are now being held at Northwest State Correctional Facility (NWSCF). Advocates have expressed serious concern about detainees’ access to legal representation, especially given the likelihood that some may lack local ties.
This morning, ICE transferred seven women detained at Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility (CRCF) onto United Airlines Flight 1851 to Chicago. Legal observers tracked the detainees from CRCF to Burlington International Airport, where they were seated among commercial passengers with a plainclothes federal escort. Airline personnel referred to the group as “specials.” Observers contacted VAAP mid-transfer in hopes of asserting the detainees’ rights—potentially through habeas corpus or other emergency legal avenues—and urged United to hold the flight. Airline staff stated they lacked authority to delay departure or remove passengers already under federal escort. The incident has raised serious due process concerns. Witness footage and photos from the airport transfer are available on request.
Among those present on the airplane was former State Representative Kiah Morris, who livestreamed part of the incident. “It is deeply distressing to see a denial of due process happening right here in Burlington,” Morris told VAAP. “We’re openly seeing individuals not being given an opportunity to connect with their attorneys and get the support they need to deal with a truly harrowing, terrifying situation.”
VAAP’s pro bono effort is supported by funds from the Vermont Immigrant Legal Defense Fund, launched earlier this month. The organization is actively recruiting attorneys and legal workers to join detention visits and ensure no one is deported without understanding their rights or options. For more information or to volunteer, visit www.vaapvt.org. Contact info@vaapvt.org.
