VAAP Talks “Sanctuary" with WPTZ
Gov. Scott responds to letter from U.S. AG accusing Vermont of being 'sanctuary state'
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Updated: 11:46 AM EDT Aug 20, 2025. James Maloney, Reporter.
“BURLINGTON, Vt. — On Tuesday, Gov. Phil Scott responded to a letter from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi that claims Vermont is a ‘sanctuary state.’
“Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Justice released a list of “sanctuary jurisdictions.” The department said those areas have policies, laws, or regulations that impede enforcement of federal immigration laws.
“Thirteen states were on the list, including Vermont. In Bondi’s letter to Gov. Scott, which was received by the governor’s office on Aug. 13, the AG requested a response detailing how the state’s sanctuary laws and policies would be repealed by Tuesday.
“In his response, Gov. Scott said there are no laws in the state that impact federal law enforcement and their work. He cited Vermont’s fair and impartial policing policy as a point of clarity to Bondi.
“That law prohibits state or local law enforcement policy or practice that conflicts with lawful federal immigration requirements.
“‘As it's currently written, [that law] could be a lot stronger in terms of making it either a sanctuary jurisdiction, or at least make room for certain localities to have or be considered a sanctuary jurisdiction,’ Director of VT Law & Grad School’s Center for Justice Reform Clinic Brett Stokes said.
“He also said the DOJ’s classifying Vermont as a ‘sanctuary’ is a message from the Trump administration about their crackdown on immigration.
“‘This letter makes it pretty clear that this is a priority for this administration. On top of that, they've made it pretty clear that they're willing to take unprecedented and relatively strong-arm tactics against jurisdictions that they perceive in some way, shape or form as going against their policies,’ he said.
“Jill Martin Diaz with the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project said she thinks the administration’s crackdown creates fear in the community and for their clients.
“‘Just the latest example of the weaponization of politicized and poorly defined and poorly understood terms,’ they said. ‘It’s designed to have a chilling effect on Vermont agencies and businesses and organizations’ ability to do their work.’”
“The Vermont Attorney General’s Office said they are aware of the Communication between the governor and Bondi. Their office also said they are not clear on why Vermont has been labeled as a sanctuary state.”
