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.