Pastor and Faith Leaders Arrested at ICE Facility Protest in Williston

Rev. Becca Girrell, pastor of the United Community Church of Morrisville, was arrested on September 4, along with six other Vermont faith leaders, during a protest at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Williston. The demonstration involved singing, kneeling, praying, and reading the names of individuals who have died while interacting with the federal agency.

The protest took place at the National Criminal Analysis and Targeting Center, located in the White Cap Business Park on Industrial Avenue. The facility, which is privately owned and leased by the federal government, serves as a surveillance hub that assists ICE officers across the eastern U.S. by analyzing data from publicly available sources, including social media, to aid in making arrests.

Girrell and her colleagues were stationed inside the building to prevent access to the facility. They were escorted out by police around 10:30 a.m. and subsequently processed at the State Police Williston Barracks before being released. The group had arrived at the site at 7:15 a.m., prior to the arrival of workers at 8:30 a.m.

During the protest, Girrell explained that they were prepared for the possibility of arrest, emphasizing their intention to halt what they perceive as harmful actions by ICE. Despite a request from the building’s property manager to vacate the premises, the faith leaders remained steadfast in their position.

This demonstration was part of a series of sit-in protests aimed at challenging the operations of the facility. The actions of these faith leaders reflect a commitment to justice and advocacy for those affected by immigration enforcement, resonating with the biblical call to “seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

Source: Read the original report