By Paul Bean
The whole state of Vermont and the cities of Burlington, Montpelier, and Winooski have been labeled as ‘Sanctuary Jurisdictions’ by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and now face federal funding cuts under President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
Governor Scott has previously insisted Vermont is in compliance with federal immigration law regarding sanctuary cities and states, and so has Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak.
“Today, DHS issued a comprehensive list of sanctuary jurisdictions that are deliberately obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws and endangering American citizens,” wrote DHS on its X page. “We are exposing these sanctuary politicians who harbor criminal illegal aliens and defy federal law. @POTUS Trump and @Sec_Noem will always put the safety of the American people first. Sanctuary politicians are on notice: comply with federal law.”
The DHS list, prompted by Executive Order 14287 signed by President Trump on April 28, identifies states and local jurisdictions that fail to comply with federal immigration laws.
“Sanctuary jurisdictions including cities, counties, and states that are deliberately and shamefully obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws endangering American communities,” says the DHS website. “Sanctuary cities protect dangerous criminal aliens from facing consequences and put law enforcement in peril.”
Burlington, Vermont’s largest city, has policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities, such as restricting local law enforcement from sharing information with ICE, aligning with the state’s overall illegal immigrant-friendly stance.
Vermont’s inclusion marks it as one of 15 entire states labeled as sanctuaries, alongside states like California, New York, and Massachusetts, potentially risking federal funding cuts under Trump’s executive order.
Historically, Vermont has supported immigrant rights, with a 2020 settlement between the state’s Attorney General and the Department of Motor Vehicles banning the sharing of migrant data with ICE after allegations of civil rights violations
U.S. Representative Becca Balint has emphasized Vermonters’ constitutional rights regardless of immigration status, offering resources for immigrants facing potential ICE actions amid heightened federal scrutiny.