Democratic leaders in the Vermont Senate are urging Republican Governor Phil Scott to terminate a memorandum that allows federal immigration authorities to lodge detainees in state prisons, following the high-profile arrest of Vermont resident Mohsen Mahdawi. Mahdawi, a Columbia University student and advocate for pro-Palestinian causes, was arrested by masked federal agents in unmarked cars after arriving for a citizenship interview. Democratic leaders argue that the Trump administration’s actions represent a constitutional crisis, and they do not want Vermont to be complicit in the deportation of individuals like Mahdawi.
Senate Majority Leader Kesha Ram Hinsdale stated at a press conference that Vermont cannot cooperate with a federal government that does not respect the rights and freedoms of its residents. Governor Phil Scott expressed concern over the tactics used during Mahdawi’s arrest and called on the administration to provide evidence justifying the detainment. Scott plans to meet with legislative leaders to discuss their request further and explore the possibility of terminating the agreement allowing federal authorities to lodge detainees in Vermont prisons.
Senate President Pro Tem Phil Baruth indicated that the current agreement is in effect through August but can be terminated by either party at any time. He believes Vermont has enough information to proceed with terminating the contract, signaling a shift in the state’s approach to aiding federal immigration authorities. The termination of the contract would not prevent federal authorities from lodging detainees at their own facilities and would not interfere with judges ordering individuals in federal immigration proceedings to be held in state-owned correctional facilities.
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