On Thursday, members of the Vermont legislature expressed concerns regarding potential violations of anti-bias policing and use-of-force laws during last week’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in South Burlington.

A joint assembly of the House and Senate Judiciary Committee convened, where key law enforcement figures, including the state’s Public Safety Commissioner, provided briefings. Although they did not disclose new details about the events from the operation, they acknowledged the complex situation that local police had to navigate, balancing citizens’ rights to protest with the need to maintain safety, especially given the tragic incidents that have occurred in the past during similar enforcement actions in other states.

The officials mentioned they are in the process of analyzing extensive body camera footage from the event and would reserve any judgment about the actions of specific officers until this review has been completed. Meanwhile, Governor Phil Scott addressed the situation, defending the conduct of state police amid criticism concerning the actions of ICE personnel and what he termed as a few instigators. He stated that the review of the body camera recordings will provide clarity once an internal inquiry concludes.

Further insights and updates on the day’s proceedings, along with public responses, will be shared in a report by Calvin Cutler on Channel 3 News at 5 p.m.