Vermont Governor Rejects Sanctuary State Label Amid Federal Accusations

The Trump administration has labeled Vermont as a "sanctuary jurisdiction," alleging that the state has policies impeding federal immigration enforcement. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter to Vermont Governor Phil Scott demanding the state eliminate such policies or face potential legal and financial consequences, including the withholding of federal funds. Governor Scott strongly refuted the designation, stating in his response that Vermont does not have any laws or policies that obstruct federal immigration law enforcement and cited state statutes explicitly prohibiting conflicts with federal immigration requirements. Legal experts and Vermont officials agree with Scott, emphasizing that the state law mandates cooperation with federal authorities and that the administration's labeling appears to be a political message rather than a reflection of Vermont's actual policies. While some municipalities in Vermont self-identify as sanctuary cities, the state as a whole does not meet the federal definition of a sanctuary jurisdiction. The dispute highlights the ongoing federal-state tensions over immigration enforcement under the Trump presidency.