Faith leaders arrested during ICE targeting center protest in Vermont

Seven faith leaders were arrested in Williston, Vermont, following a protest at the National Criminal Analysis and Targeting Center. The facility, located within a private office building, is used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to analyze data and develop leads on removable noncitizens.

The protesters, representing various denominations including Quaker, Protestant, Methodist, Unitarian Universalist, and Episcopalian traditions, blocked the building's entrances for approximately three hours. During the demonstration, participants engaged in prayer and sang while reading the names of individuals they stated had died in immigration detention or during ICE interactions.

Vermont State Police reported that the building owner requested the group leave before authorities were called. Seven individuals were charged with unlawful trespass and issued citations to appear in Vermont Superior Court in Burlington on October 20. This incident follows a similar protest at the same location in July that resulted in 13 arrests.