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By Guy Page
Vermont is not a sanctuary state, Gov. Phil Scott wrote back yesterday to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.
In an August 13 letter, Attorney General Pam Bondi told Gov. Phil Scott the U.S. Department of Justice finds Vermont an illegal immigrant sanctuary state and warns of loss of funding and even criminal charges against government leaders.
Scott responded:
Dear Attorney General Bondi:
I’m writing in response to your letter dated August 13, 2025, regarding the identification of the State of Vermont as allegedly having sanctuary policies and practices that thwart federal immigration enforcement to the detriment of the interests of the United States.
I believe this designation of Vermont as a so-called “sanctuary jurisdiction” has been made in error. Vermont does not have any law or policy that impedes the enforcement of federal immigration law.
In fact the opposite is true: Vermont State law is very clear that the State does not prohibit or impede any public agency from complying with the lawful requirements of 8 U.S.C. §§ 1373 and 1644.
Additionally, to the extent any State or local law enforcement policy or practice conflicts with the lawful requirements of 8 U.S.C. §§ 1373 and 1644, that policy or practice is, to the extent of the conflict, abolished. Please see 20 V.S.A. § 2366.
I appreciate the opportunity to bring clarity to this situation. Thank you for your service.
Sincerely, Philip B. Scott Governor
Scott will hold a press conference at noon today. His response is likely to be the lead topic of questioning.
Judging by VDC readers’ comments to yesterday’s news story about the Bondi letter, some Vermonters conclude that Vermont 1) is a sanctuary state and 2) it’s high time the feds took action. For example, this note from John Klar of Brookfield, who ran against Scott in a GOP primary for governor:
“Vermont progressives cannot have their federal funding cake and eat it too. Antagonizing the source of a significant portion of Vermont’s funding appears to be Charity Clark’s primary goal, aided by Becca Balint, Bernie Sanders, and Peter Welch. Once upon a time, it was the job of our federal officials to bring home the Vermont bacon.”
What makes a state a sanctuary jurisdiction? As (also) published yesterday by VDC, the DOJ published the following list of sanctuary criteria. Some may apply to Vermont. You be the judge.
Public Declarations: Cities, states, or counties that publicly declare themselves a sanctuary jurisdiction or equivalent, with the intent to undermine federal immigration enforcement.
Laws, Ordinances, Executive Directives: Cities, states, or counties that have laws, ordinances, regulations, resolutions, policies, or other formalized practices that obstruct or limit local law enforcement cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
A 2017 law, signed by Gov. Scott, requires police agencies adopt a ‘fair and impartial policing policy’ under guidelines set by the Vermont Criminal Justice Council. In these policies, “Such agencies and constables may include additional restrictions on agency members’ communication and involvement with federal immigration authorities or communications regarding citizenship or immigration status. Agencies and constables may not adopt a policy that allows for greater communication or involvement with federal immigration authorities than is permitted under the model policy.”
Restrictions on Information Sharing: Cities, states, or counties that limit whether and how local agencies share information about immigration status of detainees with federal authorities.
See 2017 law above: a state policy restricts communications with federal immigration authorities. Local police policies may be more restrictive. They cannot be less restrictive.
Funding Restrictions: Cities, states, or counties that prohibit local funds or resources from being used to support federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Non-cooperation with Federal Immigration Enforcement: Cities, states, or counties that provide training to city employees and police on enforcing sanctuary policies and declining to respond to ICE requests for information.
In 2024, under pressure from Migrant Justice, an immigrant advocacy organization, the Vermont Criminal Justice Council closed reported ‘loopholes’ in the state’s fair and impartial policy policies, according to a WCAX report.
Limits on ICE Detainers: Cities, states, or counties that refuse to honor ICE detainer requests unless there is a warrant signed by a judge.
Jail Access Restrictions: Cities, states, or counties that restrict ICE agents’ ability to interview detainees absent detainee consent.
Immigrant Community Affairs Offices: Cities, states, or counties that create dedicated offices to engage and advise illegal alien communities on evading federal law enforcement officers.
Federal Benefit Programs: Cities, states, or counties that circumvent federal laws prohibiting the provision of federal benefits to illegal aliens and provide them with access to benefits, including health care assistance, legal aid, food and housing assistance, and other subsidies. This includes cities, states, or counties that establish stand-alone benefit programs or equivalents.
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Categories: Border, State Government
And dats dat!
Please, WILL YOU ALL GO to Governor Scott’s Website and write to him. He needs to hear from ALL Vermonters about his Lawless Actions. Link below:
https://vermontce.my.vermont.gov/s/governor-office-ce
Also the Vermont Lieutenant Governor: https://ltgov.vermont.gov/form/contact
Also the Vermont Attorney General:
https://ago.vermont.gov/contact
Also the Vermont Secretary of State:
https://sos.vermont.gov/business-services/contact-us/
Article 6 of our Vermont Constitution makes it our Citizen Duty to hold ALL Elected Officials legally accountable. ALL of the Executive level Vermont Elected Officials are Derelict in their Duty and Violating their Oaths of Office.
The Majority of existing Vermont Elected Representatives and Senators are Violating their Oaths as well. They ARE NOT SERVING VERMONTERS!!
Write to them, run for office to oppose them or find candidates who will, campaign against them. If they will not obey the Law and/or serve and represent VERMONTERS, we need to replace them!!
Well, perhaps if Photo Op Phil would stop running around the state getting his picture taken he might actually know what is happening in his state. And if “looking the other way” at illegal immigration isn’t ignoring Federal Law, then I don’t know what is. While I don’t believe that there has ever been a “public declaration” making VT a sanctuary city…certainly NOTHING has been done to enforce our country’s immigration laws. We feed them, we house them and we give them healthcare – all on the taxpayer’s dime. Is it true that LE cannot even ask a person’s immigration status? But hey…we aren’t a sanctuary state. And don’t make the claim that we need help on the farms….there is a way to bring in LEGAL farm workers…a process that protects both the worker and the farmer. But yea, we know…. there are those pesky taxes and regulations. Maybe…just maybe it is time to get the freebie hungry, able bodied people back to work. Just saying. Hey Phil…..looking around at the sorry condition Vermont is in and the state’s obvious reluctance to follow immigration laws….your response is rather embarrassing doncha think?
Ms. Bondi; trust……but be sure to verify. I’m thinking not all cities and towns are in unison with what the Governor is saying.
Yes John! I agree! We need Verification!
So ………… Let’s See the Receipts Governor Scott!
Please prove your words to ALL of US …… the Federal Government as well as Vermont Residents and Taxpayers. Use your Office to initiate an audit; a DOGE-like examination of ALL of Vermont’s Records. We the Taxpayers are paying the bills. You are supposed to serve us, and you are legally accountable to us.
1.) Open the Vermont Statewide Voter Checklist and allow it to be checked to
see if Vermont has harbored any illegal aliens allowing them to become
Vermont Voters.
2.) Open up the DMV Records to show us there are no illegal aliens being
harbored by Vermont as they were allowed to obtain Vermont Driver’s
Licenses.
3.) Open up the lists of Vermont’s various housing programs and show us
the recipients so we can ALL see there are no illegal aliens Vermont is
harboring by providing housing through VT State Housing Programs.
4.) Open up the lists of those on Medicaid and/or other medical programs in
the State of Vermont to show us ALL there are no illegal alien recipients
being harbored by Vermont with medical benefits obtained through the
State of Vermont.
5.) Open up the lists of other Vermont State Agency Food Programs or other
Hand-outs to show us ALL there are no illegal alien recipients being
harbored by Vermont with any Vermont Agency Benefits.
6.) Open up the student lists and show us ALL that no illegal aliens are being
harbored by Vermont in receiving educational services in our public schools
and our colleges around the State of Vermont.
7.) Open up the lists of Vermont State paid legal services to show us ALL that
no illegal aliens are being harbored by Vermont as they receive legal
services paid for by the State of Vermont.
WE WILL PATIENTLY WAIT FOR YOUR ANSWERS GOVERNOR SCOTT.
Nancy for governor.
Vermont does not cooperate with Immigration officials when illegals are encountered by VT police. You can say Vermont is not a sanctuary state, but saying it doesn’t make it true.
Exactly!!
Just read the Vermont Fair and Impartial Policing Policy below. Clearly this is an immigration policy. Governor Scott needs to read some of the policies he has endorsed and stop making himself look incompetent or plain untruthful.
https://vcjc.vermont.gov/sites/vcjtc/files/documents/Model%20FIP%20Policy%20updated%2006.05.24_0.docx
You should see the policies at DCF. Commissioner was appointed by Scott.
Do you need to make definitive declaration to being a Sanctuary State to be one ? What about certain cities within that State, all under the same Governor. I would say no, and this is why. Apples grow on apple trees, Pinecones grow on a pine tree. You don’t need a sign by the tree for identification, you can tell what type of tree it is by its fruit. The same is true for Vermont. Granted, some cities (towns) in Vermont have greater sanctuary provisions than others. Bottom line, look at the fruit. Burlington Police Department won’t talk to ICE. That impeads federal agents from doing their job. That is fruit from a sanctuary city, even if they don’t self identify as a sanctuary city. So if a city (actually cities and towns) exhibit the fruit found in a Sanctuary state, then your state is rightly identified as a Sanctuary state. Look at the evidence, and listen to what the majority of our Vermont legislation is saying.
June 3rd, 2025:
“Proposed resolution of the Grafton Selectboard
WHEREAS the United States Constitution guarantees certain fundamental rights, such as due process, equal protection, and freedom of speech to all persons;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Selectboard of the Town of Grafton pledges to protect access to these fundamental rights for all persons residing in or visiting our town.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Selectboard affirms its understanding that these rights are protected by federal and state law; and that they extend to all persons, regardless of citizenship, immigration status, race, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or political belief.”
Similar resolutions were passed in Rutland, and, of course, in Putney. Many many other towns as well. Very well organized and state-wide.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, Governor Scott and Attorney General Bondi.
Tyler, the Grafton Select Board on June 16, 2025 did not pass this proposed resolution for the Town of Grafton that was brought to us on June 3, 2025.
Cathy Siano-Goodwin
Chair of Grafton Select Board
Thanks, Cathy.
I did not say it was passed in Grafton. I said it was passed elsewhere. Thank you for your courage.
It appears that our governor is again trying to exercise his role as a representative of ALL the people (read here including the fringe left) He’s staked out a wobbly position. I think there are times when he just needs to bite the bullet and face the fact that there’s no accommodating the left…stand up and fight them please. They and you are wrong here.
VERMONT PUBLIC OFFICIALS: Your phony “bleeding heart” tactics meant to grovel to this state’s uninformed voters and perpetual revolutionary freaks who took over this state as their own so you can all count upon your quest for domination and eternal power wielding in this mini empire you’ve created will no longer go unchallenged!!!!!!!!
The resultant course you lawlessly placed this once safe & peaceful state on has forever completely destroyed my own family’s life and caused irreversible heartbreak and damage – the details of which will not be raised on VDC – as if you could care any less as your criminal acts “merely” caused unconscionable anguish to but white, taxpaying, lawful residents; the kind that you have zero tolerance for.
However, what goes around comes around and you can all be assured that I amongst others whom your amoral actions and policies and laws have injured will unceasingly document, record, report, and disseminate always to the proper federal authorities all your present and future exploits for the remainder of my life.
And remember – You shall reap what you sow here and, in the hereafter, regardless of your unbelief in God, for God exists & reigns forever independent of your disbelief, rejection, and atheistic comportment. In short, yes, in the end – GOD wins, NOT you.
Like the good Communists you are – your own Godless reign has already directly and indirectly caused the deaths and maiming’s of hundreds of people thus far with their families left irreversibly suffering. And for that, those who are continually suffering as a result will ensure, as did John Klar did in this instance, that you are all eventually brought to justice.
You are all disgraceful power mongers who care less than nothing of or for others but merely of your own ascendance in this dangerous & deadly Marxist hierarchy.
Posted this on another article, same subject.
With Scott it’s CYA. Strange bed fellows Scott and Clark, seems to be the same mentality. In VT that’s not shocking. The Dome air is liberalizing intoxicating. Hope heads roll for the fakers.
fairus.org lists all 17 sanctuary states. Yes, Vermont is there.
Thank you for pointing this out.
According to a document on their website titled Vermont2023.pdf. VT taxpayers pay for 10 thousand illegal aliens. The average cost to Vermonters is $5.743.
What Are Taxpayers Supporting? The Fiscal Burden per illegal
alien includes
Healthcare, Public Assistance &
General Government Services Expenses
Police, Legal
Education & Corrections
That amounts to a burden of
$284
per Vermont
household annually.
Learn more at http://www.FAIRUS.org.
Letter of the law states if you want federal funding you’re required to follow the laws of the land. This is no time for the governor (small caps intended), or other state officials to decide they’re going to thumb their noses at lawful mandates. No time to be playing the famous old Vermont good ole boy network techniques our state government has been riddled with for years. I know, been there, done that with some of these people. It’s Sickening. Time to put your boy boy panties on and do what is right for the state and our nation. OH, and thank you for your attention to this matter.
I stand as witness to a state employee admitting that he was using a state owned vehicle to transport illegal aliens wherever they wanted to go. I hope the Trump administration comes down on Montpelier with the world’s biggest hammer.
WHOA …don’t know why I’m shocked. SMH
Maxwell’s Silver Hammer works for me.
Wow! This doesn’t surprise me. One state employee told me that if we explained to people that Equity was really rebranded capitalism, those greedy capitalists would want to keep their money
Governor Scott: Do you mean “VT is not a sanctuary State” in word or in deed?
It does not cut it in my book, to try to have it both ways.
If vermont isn’t a sanctuary state why is what’s going on in Winooski not only tolerated but celebrated?
Really, Winooski declared itself a sanctuary school.
This is quite humorous, a ray of light in a dismal environment. Been following your challenges to this jerk when I access. . Think people got sick of him and voted another to replace him. Wonder if he reads VDC it would leave his head spinning. He’s not breathing that Dome air now so is vulnerable. There’s a paint color that has the same sounding name “Burnt Sienna” (Cina). It was a color in out kitchen. Being color “blind” I couldn’t tell you what the color was, brown, tan, dark green, dark red, or a fresh cow flop in a pasture.. You’ve turned frustration into a positive. Cina didn’t put up, so I guess he shut up. A Flatlander from NJ, threatening Vermonters.
Yes we want the receipts !
Typical Democrats changing the story to lie to everyone. Vermont has claimed to be a sanctuary state for decades, but as soon as they are put in the limelight their story changes. We want President Donald Trump to come to the state and drain every aspect of illegal activity. Report and deport immediately. We also want you to take every Democrat that stands in the way and arrest them and prosecute them. Please come soon and stay long. We want every illegal gone!
Vermont is not a sanctuary state…Oh Please…HORSE HOCKEY!
FYI – In 2024, Vermont’s Department of Public Safety issued a revised model policy to strengthen the principles in Vermont’s Fair and Impartial Policing Policy, often referred to as “sanctuary policing policies.” These updates clarify that officers should not ask about immigration status in routine interactions and should prioritize community safety over federal immigration enforcement activities, except in cases involving serious crimes or court-ordered cooperation.
Governor Scott: A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
Vermont’s Fair and Impartial Policing Policy was developed through a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders, primarily driven by the Vermont Criminal Justice Council (CJC) and the Vermont Department of Public Safety, with input from community organizations, law enforcement agencies, and advocacy groups. The policy originated in response to growing concerns about biased policing and the need to build trust between law enforcement and diverse communities, including immigrants.
Yes Jay! This is the GAME the Lawless, Leftists/Marxists in Vermont Play:
Make it ILLEGAL FOR ANYONE to ask for U.S. CITIZENSHIP VERIFICATION throughout the State of Vermont in ALL ASPECTS of Government Services, Agencies, Benefits, Housing, Schooling, Prisons, Registrations, Licenses, Etc. and THEN, DENY ……. DENY ……… DENY ………. AND …….. LIE ……. LIE ……… LIE
and just KEEP LYING!
They have NEVER had to deal with a person like President Trump who is holding them accountable for their LAWLESSNESS!!
The game is semantics and intentional acts played between the Feds and States. The devil is in the details. The devil is the Master of deception and manipulation. What is said, Vermont is not “officially” a sanctuary State – meaning no lawfare warfare was passed – resolutions and policy changes – but no “official” Act – which would be construed as sedition and treason. The State actors hide behind performance art – they have and are committing countless crimes – no one is charging them and plausible deniability rules the day! They lie with impunity because no one holds them to account for deeds done mucho grande dirty. All at the bequest and blessing of the Feds – our Congressional clowns know exactly what is going on.
They are gaming the People way more than each other. The illusion is they are on opposing sides – the Truth is they are all in on the crimes, pretending they are not. All to avoid torches and pitchforks assembling on their front lawns. The goal is to usher in Agenda 2030 – the goal is to destroy the USA and capitulate to the new world order.
Take into consideration the number of NGO’s, non-profiteers, and agency bureaucrats who are aiding and abetting. They are part and parcel of the entire operation, the modus operandi, that are utilized, incentivized, compensated, and rewarded for their compliance and obedience.
The USA is $37+ trillion in debt. In order for the public to not fathom what that number actually means to them personally and professionaly – this show must go on until the rug pull. On paper, we are finished. The reason technocrats and foreign debt holders are taking over – we are all leveraged beyond redemption.