Protesters Allege Assault by Police During Immigration Operation in South Burlington

Lawmakers hear accounts of violence, demand accountability and policy changes

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:05pm

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About 200 people gathered in the Vermont House chamber to testify about their experiences during a March 11 immigration enforcement operation in South Burlington. Protesters described being choked, pepper sprayed and dragged by state and local police, contradicting earlier claims by law enforcement that they only responded to 'agitators'. Lawmakers are now considering next steps, including potential investigations and policy changes to increase police accountability.

Why it matters

The hearing highlighted growing tensions between law enforcement and immigrant rights advocates in Vermont, as well as concerns about the state's policies governing police interactions with federal immigration authorities. The allegations of excessive force and lack of officer identification raise questions about police conduct and accountability.

The details

On March 11, federal immigration agents were searching for a specific individual in South Burlington when they confronted and chased another man they believed was the target. As agents obtained a warrant to enter a house, protesters gathered outside to try to prevent them. State police then removed protesters from the doorway, allowing the agents to make arrests inside. Tensions escalated throughout the day, with law enforcement eventually using flashbang grenades and chemical agents against the crowd.

  • The hearing took place on March 31, 2026, about two weeks after the South Burlington immigration operation.
  • The March 11 protest and immigration enforcement action occurred in South Burlington.

The players

Sherri Wormser

A protester who said she attended the March 11 protest for nearly the entire day and witnessed the 'initiation and escalation of violence by state police'.

Jennifer Morrison

The Vermont Public Safety Commissioner, who said she wants to 'process' the protester accounts and that the department has a 'robust internal affairs process'.

Will Lambek

An organizer with the immigrant rights group Migrant Justice, who asked the Senate to subpoena witnesses and evidence related to the event.

Big Hartman

The executive director of the Vermont Human Rights Commission, who asked lawmakers to greenlight an investigation by the commission.

Jess Shapiro

A Burlington resident who works on Dorset Street, and said a state trooper choked her until she lost consciousness.

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What they’re saying

“What I witnessed was 100% initiation and escalation of violence by state police.”

— Sherri Wormser, Protester

“He then pushed my left shoulder down and with his left hand wrapped his fingers around my throat, pulled me into him and squeezed until I began to lose consciousness.”

— Jess Shapiro, Burlington resident

“If the only thing that you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.”

— Cynthia Cook, Professional mediator

What’s next

The Vermont Senate is considering using its subpoena power to gather more evidence related to the incident, while the Vermont Human Rights Commission has requested permission to conduct a public investigation.

The takeaway

This hearing highlighted the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and immigrant rights advocates in Vermont, as well as concerns about police accountability and the state's policies governing cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Lawmakers now face pressure to enact reforms to increase transparency and prevent future incidents of alleged excessive force.