In a move that’s drawing sharp criticism from law enforcement, a Vermont prosecutor has declined to press charges against six individuals involved in a violent anti-ICE protest—because apparently, accountability is optional these days.
Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George announced she would not pursue charges against those arrested during a March clash with police tied to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation. The decision didn’t sit well with officers on the ground, who say the message it sends is both clear and dangerous.
George defended her decision by arguing that while some protesters crossed the line into potentially criminal behavior, law enforcement also played a role in escalating the situation. She said she was not willing to place the burden of the incident solely on the individuals involved—especially since they had no prior criminal records.
Police, however, weren’t buying it.
The Burlington Police Department acknowledged tensions surrounding the ICE operation but made it clear that physical confrontations with officers are not protected under the First Amendment. In other words, protesting is one thing—attacking police is another.
The situation itself was anything but peaceful. According to reports, ICE agents were attempting to arrest an illegal immigrant when the suspect rammed multiple vehicles, including at least one belonging to a bystander, before fleeing into a residence. As agents waited for a warrant, protesters gathered, turning the scene into a multi-hour standoff.
Once ICE secured the warrant and made arrests, the situation escalated further. Protesters attempted to block federal vehicles from leaving, and at least one vehicle had its tires slashed. Several officers were injured during the chaos, including one who suffered eye injuries from shattered glass and two female officers who were punched in the face.
Despite all that, the individuals arrested were referred to a “restorative justice” program—an option police say they won’t participate in.
Vermont Public Safety Commissioner Jennifer Morrison and State Police Director Col. Matthew Birmingham didn’t hold back in their response. They warned that the decision sets a troubling precedent, effectively signaling that obstructing law enforcement at large gatherings could go unpunished.
They also pointed out a deeper concern: some individuals at the protest reportedly believed ahead of time that they wouldn’t face consequences—and, as it turns out, they were right.
At a time when law enforcement officers are being asked to maintain order under increasingly difficult conditions, decisions like this raise serious questions about the direction of public safety policy. Still, the strong response from police leadership shows that there are those willing to stand firm in defense of the rule of law—and that’s a conversation far from over.