By Kolby LaMarche

Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak has released a public statement this week addressing concerns about potential increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Burlington and the state at large. 

The message, sent via email, posted on the city website, and shared through community channels, follows reports of ICE operations in Minneapolis and other cities, including recently in Burlington.

The statement notes that ICE has conducted activities in Burlington and elsewhere in Vermont in recent months. City and state officials say they do not receive formal notification of increases in ICE operations, consistent with patterns in other locations.

On January 1, however, ICE agents detained Hussien Noor Hussien, a 63-year-old Somali man and Burlington resident, while he was working as a taxi driver at Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport. Reports indicate agents approached his cab in the taxi lane, placed him in custody, and left his vehicle behind. 

Hussien, who has lived in Vermont for 13 years and operates Freedom Cab, was taken into ICE custody and is currently held at Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans pending further proceedings, including a February 4 hearing related to his location of incarceration. Court records show he was previously convicted of immigration fraud in 2019 and had faced deportation proceedings. 

Mulvaney-Stanak stated that the administration is developing plans to support residents if ICE activity escalates. The city is verifying reports of tips and rumors before sharing information publicly through a new webpage and other channels.

Residents are being asked by the City to report ICE sightings or rumors via the ICE Tracker operated by the non-profits Vermont Asylum Assistance Project and Migrant Justice. 

The statement advises reserving 911 and police dispatch for emergencies involving health, safety, or immediate danger, not ICE stops. 

The mayor reported that she is to hold emergency meetings with Police Chief Shawn Burke, Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Michael Curtin, and other city leaders. Discussions will cover information sharing, resident support, and response readiness, her office said. 

Coordination includes the Burlington School District, City Council, community partners from immigrant and refugee groups, state offices such as the Governor’s Office, Department of Public Safety, Attorney General’s Office, Vermont State Police, and legislative leadership. 

The mayor is also in contact with mayors in the region and across the country.

The statement outlined the Burlington Police Department’s (BPD) policies, which for years has included a Fair and Impartial Policing (FIP) policy, now mandated statewide. The policy prohibits enforcement decisions based on race, gender, religion, or immigration status.

Under Vermont law, local police do not participate in federal civil immigration enforcement except in limited circumstances required by statute. 

BPD will not assist ICE in civil enforcement and is prohibited from impeding federal actions, the City said. Officers focus on securing scenes for public safety and providing medical aid with the Fire Department as needed.

ICE agents may not wear standard uniforms and can use gear labeled “police.” BPD officers respond in official department uniforms with visible badges. Residents may request an officer’s name and badge number at any time, per city policy.

The city launched a dedicated webpage for updates, press releases, and resources related to ICE activity. Key information will be translated into multiple languages.

Resources listed include the Vermont Attorney General’s Guide to Rights when Encountering ICE (English and Spanish), Vermont Language Justice Project videos (multiple languages), and the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project Resource Library. 

Directions for requesting immigration legal support and reporting ICE activity were provided, with the reminder to avoid using emergency lines for non-emergencies.

A separate community event is scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, January 31, in South Burlington. 

The “Flagwave Saturday” gathering will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in front of Buffalo Wild Wings. 

Organizers are encouraging participants to bring American flags, friends, and expressions of patriotism for a peaceful demonstration described as proud and patriotic.

Organizers say all are welcome and emphasized a non-confrontational approach, with participants invited to stay for any length of time, noting that even brief attendance can contribute.