Vermont Business Magazine Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak today provided an update on the City of Burlington’s ongoing review of the March 11 incident in South Burlington involving federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and state and local law enforcement, including the Burlington Police Department (BPD).
“The past couple of weeks have been deeply unsettling. In the days since this incident, we have heard clearly from our community about the fear, pain, and uncertainty this situation has caused. I unequivocally condemn ICE’s actions and the danger they created for our community. My administration is taking this situation seriously, and we remain committed to a process grounded in transparency, accountability, and respect for all people in our community.
"At the March 23 City Council meeting, interim Chief of Police Shawn Burke provided information on the BPD’s involvement in the incident, including why our officers were called to the scene, a timeline of events, and how our internal review process works.
"To date, BPD has received 121 citizen complaints regarding the March 11 incident. All use-of-force incidents are investigated administratively by the police department (sometimes with referral to external agencies for criminal review), in accordance with the DD05 Statewide Policy on Police Use of Force. The Mayor and Police Commission play key roles in the review process, as outlined below.
The Department is currently conducting a Supervisor Review, led by a supervisor who was not involved in the incident, in accordance with its internal directives. This review examines all uses of force by BPD officers assigned to the March 11 incident in response to citizen complaints. Chief Burke anticipates the review will be finished within 30 days of the incident.
"The review entails a detailed assessment of officer actions – including body camera footage – alongside officer decision-making, adherence to department policies, and related complaints. It helps answer key questions:
- Did officers act appropriately in a fast-moving, complex scene?
- Were their actions consistent with Burlington’s policies and law?
- What lessons can be learned, and what changes may be needed?
"Once the Supervisor Review is completed, findings and evidence, including body camera footage, will be referred to Chief Burke for his review. At this point, I, as Mayor, will convene a formal review meeting to go over the case, including relevant body camera footage and other evidence, during which time I may request further investigation, evidence, or review. Per Executive Order 2021, my concurrence with the review’s findings and recommendations must be obtained before the case is referred to the Police Commission. Chief Burke will then review the matter with the Police Commission prior to making his final decision, pursuant to its policy on citizen complaints. The Commission can accept the report and recommendations, request more information, and offer recommendations of its own for Chief Burke to consider.
"As part of the Supervisor Review, compliance with the Statewide Fair and Impartial Policing Policy will be assessed. The City will also evaluate existing protocols for interactions with federal immigration enforcement, including mutual aid agreements with neighboring municipalities. Further updates will be provided as our review processes continue.
"Body camera footage is not being released to the public at this time due to the BPD’s use-of-force review and an FBI investigation into alleged assaults on federal agents on March 11, in keeping with standard local and federal practice during active investigations.
"While the pace of our review may feel slow and frustrating, a thorough and deliberate process is essential for meaningful accountability.
"It is important to acknowledge that our officers were placed in a difficult, fast-moving situation – responding to a call for assistance regarding an incompetent federal operation outside of local control, amid a growing crowd. They were tasked with helping to maintain public safety under challenging circumstances. Interactions with federal immigration enforcement also occur in an evolving, often uncertain context where municipal authority is very limited, even despite the clear dangers the ICE agent’s actions created for our community. That context matters as we work to fully understand what occurred.
"Community voices remain critical to understanding this incident and shaping next steps. Many residents showed up that day to support neighbors, bear witness, provide aid, and exercise their constitutional rights. There will be a special City Council meeting in early April dedicated to hearing directly from impacted community organizations - please refer to Civic Clerk for more details on date and time. As with all City Council meetings, members of the public can attend in person or virtually, and there will be time for public forum.
"On March 31 at 5pm, the Vermont House and Senate Judiciary Committees plan to hold a second joint hearing on the March 11 ICE incident. The hearing will be held in the House chamber of the State House as well as livestreamed on YouTube.
"I will close by highlighting that moments like this can test a community. They can create division, mistrust, and fear – and when we stand divided, it serves the Trump administration’s broader political agenda that seeks to pit communities like ours against each other. But this can also be a moment to come together: to center accountability, to support one another, and to stay grounded in our shared values of safety, dignity, and fairness for everyone.”
3.25.2026. BURLINGTON, VT – Mayor
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