Full Breakdown
Chaotic ICE Operation in South Burlington Sparks Protests and Clashes
3/13/2026, 8:31:16 AM
Overview of the Incident
On March 11, 2026, a federal immigration enforcement operation in South Burlington, Vermont, escalated into a chaotic standoff between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and approximately 150 protesters. The incident began around 7:30 a.m. when ICE attempted to apprehend Deyvi Daniel Corona-Sanchez, a 24-year-old Mexican citizen wanted for illegal reentry after deportation. The situation intensified after Corona-Sanchez fled in a vehicle, leading to a crash involving ICE vehicles and other motorists before he entered a residence on Dorset Street.
Protest and Law Enforcement Response
As ICE agents surrounded the home, protesters formed a human chain to block their entry, chanting slogans such as “ICE out” and providing food and supplies. Local and state police, including the South Burlington Police Department, were present but stated they were not informed of the ICE operation beforehand. Their role was to ensure public safety and protect the right to protest. South Burlington Police Chief William Breault criticized the federal operation's execution, stating, “This plan was not executed to the standard that local law enforcement here in South Burlington... would agree.”
Escalation and Clashes
The standoff continued throughout the day, with tensions rising as federal agents awaited a warrant to enter the home. Around 5:30 p.m., after receiving the warrant, ICE agents forcibly entered the residence, leading to violent confrontations with protesters. Law enforcement deployed flashbangs and pepper spray to disperse the crowd, resulting in injuries among demonstrators. Protesters attempted to block law enforcement vehicles, leading to further clashes and multiple arrests.
Detentions and Aftermath
ICE agents ultimately detained three individuals—Christian Jerez-Andrade, Camila Patin-Patin, and Jissela Patin-Patin—none of whom were the intended target, Deyvi Daniel Corona-Sanchez. The operation drew significant criticism from local officials and advocacy groups, with Migrant Justice organizer Abel Luna stating, “There was no reason for them to detain the families and separate them from children and parents.”
Official Statements and Criticism
Local law enforcement distanced themselves from ICE's actions, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining peace and safety during the protests. Breault expressed concerns about the appropriateness of the operation's timing and location, particularly near schools. Vermont Governor Phil Scott condemned the tactics used by federal agents, calling them “totally unnecessary” and stating that they serve to further divide communities.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Despite the chaos, reports indicate that Deyvi Daniel Corona-Sanchez was not present during the ICE operation. Rachel Elliott from Migrant Justice noted that the operation appeared based on faulty surveillance. The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed that the intended target was not apprehended, raising questions about the effectiveness and planning of the operation.
Conclusion
The events in South Burlington represent a significant confrontation between federal immigration enforcement and local communities, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy and enforcement practices in the United States. The incident has prompted calls for investigations into the tactics used by federal agents and has sparked discussions about the implications for community safety and civil rights.
