The Vermont State Police arrested seven anti-ICE protesters on charges of unlawful trespass Friday morning, Sept. 4, after they declined to leave a private office building in Williston.
The individuals, of whom at least six are clergy, arrested are:
Catherine Bock, 78, of Burlington
Jessica Derise, 54, of Williston
Rebecca Girrell, 47, of South Burlington
Elizabeth Gleich, 36, of Middlebury
Karen Johnston, 58, of Colchester
Earl Kooperkamp, 69, of Bradford
Susan McMillan, 65, of Colchester
These individuals were among a group of people who entered the building to protest federal agencies — including Immigration and Customs Enforcement — that occupy space there alongside private businesses and a medical office. The building owner said the individuals were trespassing, refused to leave when asked, and requested that police remove them from the property.
State police, working in conjunction with the Williston Police Department, responded and spoke with protest leaders. That discussion led to several people leaving the inside of the building, while the others indicated they’d need to be arrested.
Those individuals were taken into custody and brought to the Williston Barracks, where they were processed and released with citations to appear for arraignment at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 20, in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in Burlington.