MEDIA ADVISORY: May 30, 2025
VAAP to Host Urgent Training for Legal Volunteers Assisting ICE Detainees 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: Join the MS Teams meeting now (ID: 250 713 468 513 7; email info@vaapvt.org for passcode) or dial in by phone +1 323-433-2356,,108568444# with passcode108 568 444#.
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 with extremely limited access to interpreters and legal advice. 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.