Federal Immigration Enforcement Operation Causes Multi-Vehicle Crash on South Burlington's Dorset Street
The South Burlington Police Department stated it was not notified of the immigration enforcement activity beforehand and only learned of the federal operation through the crash investigation.
12:57 PM - Update from the South Burlington Police Department - At this time Dorset St traffic southbound is closed at Garden Street and the southern entrance to the U-mall. Northbound traffic is being re-routed on to San Remo Dr. Please seek an alternate route and if you need to travel through the area, please exercise caution and patience.
A federal immigration enforcement operation on South Burlington’s Dorset Street resulted in multiple vehicle collisions, a foot chase, and an ongoing standoff Tuesday morning, according to the South Burlington Police Department.
Morning 911 Call Reveals Federal Operation
South Burlington Police dispatch received a 911 call at approximately 7:38 a.m. on March 11 reporting a motor vehicle accident involving multiple vehicles near 345 Dorset Street. When officers arrived, they found an unoccupied vehicle with extensive damage in the northbound lane near Brookwood Drive, a second damaged vehicle in the southbound lane near 435 Dorset Street, and two additional damaged vehicles in the parking lot of the Dorset Commons apartment complex at 435 Dorset Street.
The South Burlington Police Department stated it was not notified of the immigration enforcement activity beforehand and only learned of the federal operation through the crash investigation.
Vehicle Pursuit and Collisions
According to the police department’s preliminary investigation, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement attempted to apprehend an individual believed to be associated with 345 Dorset Street. The individual fled in a vehicle. ICE agents attempted to box in the vehicle in the parking lot at 435 Dorset Street, located south of the original location. The vehicle fled again, damaging several ICE vehicles in the process.
As the individual continued to flee, the vehicle collided with another vehicle traveling southbound. The operator and sole occupant of that vehicle was not injured, according to police.
The individual ICE was seeking to detain then abandoned his vehicle in the northbound lane of Dorset Street and fled on foot.
Standoff at Nearby Apartment Building
Information obtained by South Burlington police from ICE officials indicated that agents had responded to the area seeking to locate and detain a male individual pursuant to a federal administrative warrant related to immigration status.
Federal agents believe the individual returned to an apartment at 337 Dorset Street following the foot chase. Agents surrounded the building while awaiting approval of a federal criminal warrant.
Protesters Gather, Local Police Called to Scene
At approximately 8:45 a.m., ICE agents requested assistance from the South Burlington Police Department due to a crowd of individuals protesting in the area. South Burlington officers responded and remain on scene.
The department stated its purpose at the scene is to ensure the safety of federal law enforcement personnel and to protect the ability of individuals to protest without interference.
Local Police Role and Policy
The South Burlington Police Department emphasized that it did not assist federal agents with the enforcement of the federal immigration violation. The department’s Fair and Impartial Policing policy outlines the department’s approach to immigration enforcement.
However, the department stated it has a responsibility to ensure public safety and will take appropriate action if agents are assaulted. The department also indicated it will take steps to ensure peaceful protest rights while maintaining the private property rights of residents.
What Happens Next
As of the department’s press release, federal agents remained at the scene surrounding the apartment building at 337 Dorset Street while awaiting approval of a federal criminal warrant. South Burlington police remain on scene managing the safety of all parties, including protesters. The status of the individual ICE was seeking to detain has not been confirmed.