Bennington
Five Detained by ICE in Londonderry, Prompting Local Response
Five individuals were detained by federal immigration authorities during a Friday morning traffic stop in Londonderry, raising immediate concerns among Southern Vermont residents and community leaders.According to a report first published by the Bennington Banner, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)…
Key points
- Federal ICE agents detained five individuals during an Aug. 7 traffic stop on Route 11 in Londonderry.
- Community leaders across Southern Vermont convened to offer support and track the status of the detainees.
- A public meeting is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8, at 10 a.m. at Neighborhood Connections in Londonderry.
BENNINGTON, Vt. NewsWK — Five individuals were detained by federal immigration authorities during a Friday morning traffic stop in Londonderry, raising immediate concerns among Southern Vermont residents and community leaders.
According to a report first published by the Bennington Banner, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers conducted the stop on Friday, Aug. 7, along Route 11 near Flood Brook School and Mountain Valley Medical Center.
Details of the Londonderry Traffic Stop
Advocacy group Migrant Justice reported that the five individuals are believed to be construction workers of Ecuadorian descent who were traveling to work. Resident video footage showed unmarked vehicles and law enforcement officers in plain vests holding individuals against a vehicle.
Migrant Justice confirmed it is offering support to contacts of those detained. The organization noted that this incident is one of several federal immigration enforcement actions recorded in Vermont over the past year.
Local Leaders Organize Regional Support
In response to the arrests, local officials and community members across Bennington and Windham counties quickly convened to offer assistance.
State Rep. Chris Morrow, who represents parts of Windham, Windsor, and Bennington counties, expressed deep concern over the enforcement action. “It is very disheartening to have ICE in our backyard,” Morrow said in statements reported by the Bennington Banner, adding that communities need to come together with compassion rather than fear.
A virtual group of approximately 26 local leaders, including Manchester Select Board member Jonathan West, met Friday morning to coordinate safety resources and track the status of those detained.
"We're all just here and prepared to support the community and those involved, and maybe their coworkers, as best as we can," West told the Bennington Banner.
Key Event Information
- Event: ICE traffic stop detaining five workers
- Location: Route 11 in Londonderry, VT
- Community Meeting: Saturday, Aug. 8, at 10 a.m.
- Meeting Location: Neighborhood Connections
How This Affects You
Area residents who want to participate in discussions on community safety and support services are invited to attend the meeting on Saturday morning at Neighborhood Connections. Migrant Justice is also encouraging anyone with direct connections to the detained individuals to contact their organization for assistance.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting originally published by Bennington Banner. Read the original story.
