13 Arrested in Vermont Protest at Private Office Building

Demonstrators refused to leave property despite trespassing warnings from police

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Vermont State Police arrested 11 people and cited two others on charges of criminal trespass after they refused to leave a private office building in Williston, Vermont where they were protesting federal agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The building owner informed police the individuals were trespassing and asked for them to be removed, but the protesters declined to relocate outside and stated their goal was to be arrested.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between protesters and law enforcement over issues of free speech, civil disobedience, and private property rights. It also reflects the challenges authorities face in balancing the right to demonstrate with maintaining public order and respecting private business operations.

The details

The 13 individuals were arrested or cited for criminal trespass after refusing multiple requests by Vermont State Police to leave the private office building. The protesters were demonstrating against federal agencies like ICE that have offices in the building, and stated their intention was to be arrested as part of their protest.

  • The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, February 10, 2026.
  • The 13 individuals are due to appear for arraignment at 8:30 a.m. on March 2, 2026 in Vermont Superior Court.

The players

Vermont State Police

The state law enforcement agency that responded to the trespassing incident and made the arrests.

Williston Police Department

The local police department that assisted Vermont State Police in responding to the protest.

Building Owner

The private owner of the office building where the protest took place, who informed police the individuals were trespassing and asked for them to be removed.

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What they’re saying

“Protest leaders told VSP their goal was to be arrested.”

— Protest Leaders (newportdispatch.com)

What’s next

The 13 individuals arrested or cited are due to appear for arraignment at 8:30 a.m. on March 2, 2026 in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in Burlington.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing tensions between protesters and law enforcement over issues of free speech, civil disobedience, and private property rights. It highlights the challenges authorities face in balancing the right to demonstrate with maintaining public order and respecting private business operations.