The Chittenden County State’s Attorney has declined to prosecute charges against the 13 people cited by Vermont State Police for criminal trespass during a civil disobedience action in a Williston, Vt., business park on Feb. 9.
“Our office protects the community by focusing on solving problems and meeting needs instead of simply obtaining convictions,” wrote State’s Attorney Sarah George in letters dated Feb. 25 to Vermont State Police Detective Trooper Brandon Degre.
The participants were non-violent and have limited or no criminal history, and there is no indication tenants complained or that the protest was disruptive, the letters state. Prosecuting the charges filed “would not serve the ends of justice or the best interests of the residents,” George wrote.
“The most significant impact of the protestors’ actions appeared to be due to the property manager’s choice to lock down the atrium,” she wrote.
The property manager did not immediately respond to comment.
The White Cap Business Park at 426 Industrial Ave. houses a large digital surveillance office run by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and protesters have demanded that the landlord cancel the lease.
It is one of two Williston ICE facilities that have seen a series of protests in recent months in response to President Trump’s escalated immigration enforcement across the nation.
Eleven of about two dozen protesters aged 21 to 83 were charged with trespassing on Feb. 9, and two protesters were issued citations by state troopers and released after they declined to leave the private property.
Vermont State Police will continue to enforce criminal trespassing violations per state law, said spokesman Adam Silverman, adding that what prosecutors do is entirely their prerogative.
Julie Macuga, an organizer who attended the protests, said the participants intend to continue protesting there. She is pleased the protesters are not being charged.
“The charges were never going to deter us from continuing the campaign, but it’s welcome news,” she said in an email.
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