The Chittenden County state's attorney, Sarah George, announced on Wednesday that she will not prosecute six protesters arrested during a federal immigration raid in South Burlington last month, a decision condemned by state police leaders.
In a statement, George said she analysed the cases to determine where the harm occurred and who contributed to it. 'I see the purpose of prosecution to be, in part, to heal harm caused by the person being charged,' she added. The arrests occurred on March 11 during a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid at a Dorset Street house, which was later found to be based on mistaken identity.
Police and protesters clashed during the raid, with three people detained by ICE and later released by federal judges. Six protesters were arrested by Vermont State Police and Burlington police for offences including disorderly conduct and assault on a law enforcement officer. George acknowledged that some protesters may have acted beyond civil disobedience, but also criticised law enforcement for escalating the situation.
Vermont Public Safety Commissioner Jennifer Morrison and State Police Director Col. Matthew T. Birmingham condemned George's decision as 'a disheartening decision that sets a dangerous precedent.' They argued it would embolden lawbreakers and increase risks to public and officer safety. George defended her stance by referencing civil rights figures such as Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks, who were once considered agitators.
George referred the three Burlington cases to the Burlington Community Justice Centre for restorative justice, though interim Police Chief Shawn Burke said the department will not participate. George also called for an independent review of the law enforcement response, as advocates allege police violated the state's fair and impartial policing policy.
