Eight Farmworkers Detained in Vermont: An Overview of Recent Events
On Monday, April 21, 2023, a significant incident unfolded in Franklin County, Vermont, when eight farmworkers were detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. This detention highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding immigration enforcement in rural America and its impact on local communities, particularly vital agricultural sectors.
The Context of the Arrests
According to a spokesperson from the organization Migrant Justice, the detentions occurred in the afternoon hours at Pleasant Valley Farms, located in the town of Berkshire. This family-owned farm is managed by Mark and Amanda St. Pierre, along with their sons, Bradley and Jamie. Interestingly, the St. Pierre family is also related by marriage to Olympic runner Elle St. Pierre, adding a connection to local pride in the region’s family heritage.
Details of the Detention
The eight individuals arrested ranged in age from 22 to 41 years. Their apprehension was reportedly triggered by a citizen report to CBP, who claimed to have observed two individuals carrying backpacks emerging from a wooded area before crossing a cornfield into private farmland—less than three miles from the U.S.-Canada border. Following the report, agents from Richford were able to detain one person at the scene while pursuing another, leading to the discovery and arrest of several others believed to be in the country without legal documentation.
The Reaction from Farm Owners
Amanda St. Pierre issued a statement to NBC5, expressing concern about the arrests without clear knowledge of the details or reasons behind them. She emphasized the farm’s compliance with federal and state employment laws and reiterated the importance of the detained workers to their operations. St. Pierre remarked, “We remain supportive of our employees and appreciative of the valuable role they play in our community, performing essential work on our farm.” Her hope was for a swift resolution, suggesting that any further inquiries should be directed to CBP.
The Identified Individuals
Migrant Justice, which advocates for the rights of immigrant laborers, identified the detained workers as follows:
- Jesus Mendez Hernandez, 25
- Juan Javier Rodriguez-Gomez, 41
- Luis Enrique Gomez-Aguilar, 28
- Urillas Sargento, 32
- Diblaim Maximo Sargento-Morales, 30
- Adrian Zunun-Joachin, 22
- Jose Edilberto Molina-Aguilar, 37
- Dani Alvarez-Perez, 22
Community Perspectives and Advocacy
Mike Lambek, a representative of Migrant Justice, articulated the challenges immigrants face in Vermont, stating that many have established roots in the state. He underscored the importance of these workers in contributing to their communities, insisting they are not willing to retreat into the shadows. “Workers have fought hard to maintain their human rights, and they’re not going anywhere,” he asserted.
Official Responses
Governor Phil Scott acknowledged the incidents, asserting his commitment to understanding the circumstances surrounding the detentions. He urged Congress and President Donald Trump to pass comprehensive immigration reform, highlighting the necessity of pathways to citizenship for migrant workers. Scott stated, “Migrant workers are an essential part of our communities. They are our neighbors and friends… and play an important role in our economy and workforce.”
In addition, the Vermont congressional delegation reacted to the situation. Senator Bernie Sanders decried the efforts to deport migrant agricultural workers, stating that such actions would disrupt families, inflate food prices, and harm struggling family farms. He called for urgent immigration reform, emphasizing that the time has come for a legitimate and practical path to citizenship for migrant workers.
Congresswoman Becca Balint also expressed concern, noting that lawmakers must monitor the ongoing situation closely. She highlighted the critical nature of farmworkers for local agriculture, pointing out that fear among these individuals leads to dire consequences for community stability and food security. “When farm workers are living in fear… it leaves us without food on our tables,” she stated.
Rally for Workers’ Rights
In an effort to encourage community support and advocate for the immediate release of the detained workers, Migrant Justice announced a rally set for Thursday evening at 6 p.m. outside Burlington City Hall. This event is aimed at raising awareness about the situation and mobilizing support for the rights of those involved.
Ongoing Developments
NBC5 is actively working to gather more details regarding the detained workers and the legal proceedings they may face. Updates on this evolving situation will be provided as new information becomes available.
