By Michael Bielawski

Gov. Phil Scott said the Board Patrol had no choice but to arrest Berkshire farm immigrant workers who ran from them, he said during an interview with Vermont Public on Monday.

Described as a “raid” by the host, the event was explained by the governor. He said a group of immigrants were confronted by the federal agents, but they were not initially under arrest. Then one of the immigrants started to run away, resulting in a police chase. At this point, based on that action and established protocol, the officers were forced to act.

“Had they not ran, things might have ended differently, but they did,” said the governor. “One of them did, and a chase ensued, and they and they led them to others on the farm that were here as well, that were undocumented. So, border patrol had no choice at that point then to take action.”

He further noted that this was not considered a “raid,” as the host suggested.

“They can’t just ignore when they see something that that isn’t, that isn’t legal. They had no choice but to do what they did. I don’t believe that it was an organized raid. I think was just an unfortunate situation that got out of control, respond— Border Patrol responding to a call.”

Scott also reiterated that he appreciates immigrant labor when the law isn’t broken.

“And I have long been clear: Migrant workers are an essential part of our communities, and their friends, their neighbors, they’re part of the community, the economy and workforce,” he said.

The governor was then asked if he would say the same for undocumented immigrants. Scott noted that there have been many such people here for a long time.

“I mean, we’ve known they’ve been here for decades. And you know, it’s unfortunate because Congress and Congresses that have been led by both Democrats and Republicans over the last couple of decades have failed to act.”

He then said, “They want to be here and, and it’s happening, not just in Vermont, in every state, red and blue states alike. So, I think everyone has an interest in progressing, but somebody has to take the first step.”

On a related subject, they discussed Upper Valley resident Mohsen Mahdawi, who was recently detained by federal agents. He is a graduate student at Columbia University and was involved in a process towards naturalization. Many Vermont immigration activists are crying foul, while VDC reported on some of his questionable activities that may have led to his arrest.

Scott said, “He’s going to get a fair shake. They treat him well there, he is allowed visitors, and we have a federal judge here that I think are — a couple of federal judges that have common sense and our middle of the road, and just want to get a fair trial.”

The author is a writer for the Vermont Daily Chronicle