Burlington Mayor Signs Executive Order on Immigration Enforcement

Order establishes protocols for preparedness, transparency, and constitutional policing if federal immigration operations occur in the city.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak has signed an executive order establishing citywide protocols for preparedness, transparency, and constitutional policing in response to any potential ramping up of federal immigration enforcement. The order updates alert systems, creates rapid communication channels, trains staff, and reaffirms that the Burlington Police will not engage in civil immigration enforcement.

Why it matters

This executive order is a proactive measure by the city to ensure it is prepared to respond appropriately if the federal government conducts immigration enforcement operations in Burlington, as it has in other U.S. cities. The order aims to uphold the city's 'sanctuary city' status and protect the rights of immigrants.

The details

The mayor's executive order establishes clear protocols for how the city will respond if federal immigration enforcement actions occur. It includes updating citywide alert systems, creating rapid communication channels, training staff, and reaffirming that the Burlington Police will not participate in civil immigration enforcement.

  • Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak signed the executive order on Tuesday morning, February 17, 2026.

The players

Emma Mulvaney-Stanak

The mayor of Burlington, Vermont who signed the executive order on immigration enforcement.

Burlington Police

The local police department that will not engage in civil immigration enforcement under the terms of the executive order.

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What they’re saying

“I think the strategies and tactics of the federal government will continue to evolve. So, we don't know what anything will look like in Burlington, but we are particularly prepared now rather than standing this up when we are in the middle of a crisis.”

— Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, Mayor (WCAX)

The takeaway

This executive order demonstrates Burlington's commitment to protecting the rights of immigrants and upholding its 'sanctuary city' status, even in the face of potential increased federal immigration enforcement actions.