Three Vermont Farmworkers Deported Following Border Patrol Arrests

Three of eight migrant farmworkers arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at a Franklin County, Vermont dairy farm in April have been deported to Mexico without due process, according to their attorney and advocacy groups. The deportations, which occurred before bond or court hearings, have sparked condemnation from local officials, community organizations, and legal advocates, who argue that Immigration and Customs Enforcement is improperly expanding its 'expedited removal' authority. Five other farmworkers remain in detention, while another, Arbey Lopez, was detained earlier in April and awaits a bond hearing. The incident has led to widespread protests, petitions, and public statements from Vermont’s governor, congressional delegation, and legislative leaders calling for the workers' release and denouncing the enforcement actions. Advocates and attorneys criticize ICE for failing to notify legal counsel ahead of transfers and deportations, further raising concerns about due process violations. The events represent one of the largest immigration enforcement actions targeting farmworkers in Vermont’s recent history and have heightened fears within the state’s migrant community.