Full Breakdown
Protest Erupts in South Burlington Over ICE Arrest Attempt
3/13/2026, 2:57:27 AM
Overview of the Incident
On March 11, 2026, a significant protest erupted in South Burlington, Vermont, as approximately 150 demonstrators gathered to block U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from apprehending a man inside a home on Dorset Street. The protest began after ICE attempted to arrest a suspect, leading to a chaotic standoff that involved federal agents, local police, and community members.
Sequence of Events
The confrontation started around 7:30 a.m. when ICE agents, conducting surveillance, attempted to apprehend Deyvi Daniel Corona-Sanchez, a 24-year-old man accused of illegally re-entering the United States. After a brief car chase, the suspect fled on foot into a residence, prompting ICE to surround the house while waiting for a warrant. As the situation escalated, protesters arrived, forming a human chain around the home and chanting slogans against ICE.
By late afternoon, federal agents broke down the front door and arrested three individuals, none of whom were Corona-Sanchez. The arrested included two Ecuadorian women, Camila Patin-Patin and Jissela Patin-Patin, and one Honduran man, Christian Humberto Jerez-Andrade. The operation concluded with the deployment of flash bangs and pepper spray by federal agents, resulting in multiple arrests among the protesters.
Local Law Enforcement's Response
Local police, including officers from South Burlington and Burlington, expressed criticism of the federal operation. South Burlington Police Chief William Breault stated that the execution of the warrant was poorly planned and that local law enforcement was not involved in the immigration enforcement operation. He emphasized the need for a more thoughtful approach, given the potential for escalating tensions with the large crowd of protesters.
Community Impact and Reactions
The protest was organized by Migrant Justice, which claimed that the individual targeted by ICE was part of the local migrant community. Abel Luna, a representative from Migrant Justice, condemned the treatment of families involved, stating, “Nobody deserves to be treated and disrespected like that without humanity, respect and due process.” Eyewitness accounts highlighted the fear and chaos experienced during the confrontation, with some protesters injured from the use of pepper spray and rubber bullets.
Conflicting Reports and Clarifications
Despite the intense standoff, the U.S. Department of Justice later confirmed that Corona-Sanchez was not present during the arrest operation. This revelation raised questions about the accuracy of the surveillance that led to the confrontation. Rachel Elliott, an organizer with Migrant Justice, noted that the man was not in the house at the time of the incident and criticized the federal agents for acting on faulty information.
Conclusion
The events in South Burlington represent a significant clash between federal immigration enforcement and local community activism. As the situation unfolds, local authorities and advocacy groups continue to address the implications of such operations on the community and the treatment of individuals within the immigration system.
