Vermont Business Magazine On Monday, the City of Burlington released its final determinations for a Use-of-Force Review and a Legal Review of compliance with the City’s Fair and Impartial Policing Policy (FIPP) related to the presence of the Burlington Police Department at a federal immigration enforcement operation in South Burlington on March 11, 2026.
Final determinations and all review reports and supplementary documents can be found on the City’s ICE information webpage. This includes a Use-of-Force Determination from the Chief of Police, a Legal Determination on FIPP compliance from the City Attorney’s Office, the BPD’s Supervisor Review Report, and recommendations from the mayor and the Police Commission.
Below is an accompanying communication from Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, which is also available on the webpage.
"I know many have been intently awaiting this news, and I want to thank everyone for their patience," the mayor said. "I want to be clear – while the review is complete, this is not the end of the conversation. As Burlington moves forward, the work continues: rebuilding trust, strengthening policies, and ensuring our values of safety, inclusion, and respect guide every decision."
She added, in part (see full letter below): "I want to state unequivocally that the dangerous and unlawful actions of ICE agents on March 11, 2026, were shocking and unacceptable. This incident hurt public trust and community wellbeing and caused real fear and pain, especially for our immigrant and refugee neighbors. As we move forward, we must remain committed to the values that define our community – safety, accountability, inclusion, and respect for all residents..."
"The City’s Final Use-of-Force Determination is that the four substantive allegations are either exonerated or unfounded, and that the actions of the BPD officers at the incident were objectively reasonable and proportional given the totality of circumstances, and thus are supported by BPD directive DD05 Statewide Policy on Use of Force and in accordance with State of Vermont law."
Per Burlington's City Charter and local policy, all use-of-force incidents are investigated administratively by the BPD, and the Chief of Police hold's final decision-making authority. The Mayor and Police Commission play important advisory roles in this process. Similar to the process followed by South Burlington, Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak requested the City Attorney to conduct an independent legal review to determine the BPD’s compliance with the City's FIPP.
6.1.2026. BURLINGTON, VT – City of Burlington
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