|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
By Guy Page
Even as legislators consider two bills intended to hogtie Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detaining illegal immigrants in Vermont, at least one Vermont selectboard has passed a resolution opposing ICE activity in Vermont.
The Williston Selectboard voted unanimously Tuesday night to adopt a resolution strongly objecting to Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in town, according to an ABC22 news report. The move reportedly drew applause from a packed meeting room but ignited a wave of criticism on social media.
In particular, one Facebook commenter said the resolution would have no effect on ICE except to draw federal attention to Williston as a sanctuary town. “It equates to the drunk driver that thinks he’s smart for throwing his beer cans/packages out the window so they’re not in his car if he gets pulled over. That pile of cans on the side of the road equates to putting up a big sign that says, ‘I drive drunk on this road, please patrol here more,’” Frank Williams said.
The resolution opposes what the board described as surveillance of Vermonters by ICE, including activity connected to the federal agency’s facility off Industrial Avenue. The facility is reportedly used for digital surveillance, including monitoring social media, and is not primarily a detention center.
More than 50 people attended the meeting in person. The unanimous vote was followed by applause from those in attendance. The final resolution cites what it calls a “pattern of administrative retribution” against individuals who oppose federal immigration policy.
The resolution states in part that “the Town of Williston expresses its formal opposition to ICE activity within Williston and Vermont, and requests that our elected federal and state officials take all necessary steps to protect the sovereignty of our state and the safety of all town, state, and U.S. residents.”
Online reaction, however, was swift and often hostile. Many commenters argued the selectboard lacks authority over federal law enforcement and accused members of misunderstanding constitutional law.
“You realize Williston SelectIdiot you do not have any authority when it come to ICE and ICE activities,” wrote commenter Gregory Thayer of Rutland, a former candidate for lieutenant governor. “You haters need to read the law, and the U.S. Constitution especially Article 6, Section II the Supremacy Clause.” Thayer also said that Rutland considered and rejected a similar resolution the same night.
Others were more blunt: “Deport Williston Vermont selectboard.”
Several commenters dismissed the resolution as symbolic and warned it could have unintended consequences, including this remark: “They can adopt all the resolutions they want, it’s not going to be binding on a federal agency… all it does is tell ICE to take a harder look at that particular municipality.”
Numerous comments echoed similar themes, asserting federal supremacy, expressing support for ICE, or warning the town could risk federal funding. Some said Williston does not speak for all Vermonters and emphasized support for law enforcement or for enforcing federal immigration law.
According to the town website, the five members of the Williston selectboard are: Ted Kenney (Chair), Greta D’Agostino (Vice Chair) Ellie Beckett, Jeanne Jensen, and Mike Isham.
Amid the backlash, a smaller number of commenters voiced support for the board’s action. “Very proud of Vermont right now,” one commenter wrote. “The vote to adopt was unanimous and followed by applause in the room.”
Another also pushed back against the negative tone online, writing, “Don’t get discouraged by the many of the comments — the vast majority of reactions are ‘likes’ in solidarity with the selectboard. Yay Vermont!”
The resolution carries no legal force and does not direct local law enforcement to interfere with federal agents. Instead, it serves as a formal statement of opposition and a request for action by state and federal elected officials. Town officials have not publicly responded to the social media criticism. Names of social commenters are withheld on VDC unless, like Thayer, they are public figures.
Discover more from Vermont Daily Chronicle
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Categories: Local government
Well this would also explain the rampant crime in the Williston box stores! Guy you should interview the Williston police, go for a ride with them and see how many times per day these box stores deal with crime, thousands of dollars every day.
Who suggests that being a criminal is the right thing to do? Williston select board apparently, and they are quite “rich” when the town gets an extra 1% of all sales through the local tax.
Where is the restorative justice, who is being restored?
They are insane.
Was this voted on by the town? They should all be removed from office, they did this resolution without a town vote, how is that even a democracy? How is that supporting the Vermont constitution?
They should all be removed from office for derelict of duty, immediately.
They certainly did not speak for Vermont either, they did not have the power or authority, this is like the select board that fired the teacher for saying that looting and burning down towns might not endear people, to your cause.
These people need to be fired, who in leadership is going to take up that petition?
So, as I see this, Williston just approved pedophilia, rape, murder, and fraud. Good job, you’re really thinking about the people that try to live freely in your town.
AND, the taxpayers who pay the bills, every single day of the year. Doesn’t bode well for a good return on investment, does it.
Look well to your ballot box in March, at the local elections, all across the state. A real opportunity to get some things right, including town officials.
Absolutely correct Dan. I just don’t understand how people can be so ignorant about this. These illegals take AmericanJobs and have been for decades, housing Vermonters need and because those that hire them save money by not giving any benefits and low pay they drain taxpayers money because they receive medicaid and other benefits like SNAP!😡😡😡ICE Agents are just doing their jobs and people need to stop interfering with them and causing problems!
The Supreme Court relied on the Supremacy Clause to hold that the federal law controlled and could not be nullified by state statutes or officials. The Supreme Court in 1982 ruled: “A state statute is void to the extent that it actually conflicts with a valid Federal statute”.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE ) are following and enforcing the Federal Statue of Federal Immigration Law :
It is not Civil town issue, it’s not a State issue, it is Federal Business ❗
WHICH SAYS :
Title 8 U.S.C. Section 1325
It is a crime to enter the USA without proper inspection at a port of entry.
Title 8 UnS.C. Section 1326,
it is a crime to unlawfully reenter the USA after being deported.
Title 8 U.S C. Section 1324a
it is a crime to smuggle aliens, transport unauthorized aliens domestically, or conceal or harbor unauthorized aliens.
Why stop there? Get rid of sheriffs dept., state police, justices of the peace, constables, speed limits, etc.. Just like the lawless towns of the old west.
Do you know what kind of people will come into Williston? You’ll have rustlers, cutthroats, murderers, bounty hunters, desperados, mugs, pugs, thugs, nitwits, halfwits, dimwits, vipers, snipers, etc. etc………!!
Badges, we don’t need no stinking badges ! 🙂
At least 21 daycares in Williston, 2 using the word “Klub” in their titles. Nothing to see here, I’m sure.
Guy, thanks for airing the back story before the big story evolves. Those trashed beer cans along the side of the road are parked in front of the town hall.
The Williston Selectboard has given us all a good reason to avoid going to Williston.
I wonder how many of the 50 people at this meeting were not legal residents of Williston ?
Also, how many registered voters, or adult citizens are there in Williston ? 50 showing up is pretty pitiful !
Just under 9000 registered voters in Williston.