BTV Mayor Signs Executive Order Reinforcing Protections Against Civil Arrests in Sensitive Locations

Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak of Burlington signed Executive Order 2026-2, affirming the city’s commitment to supporting community partners in implementing Vermont’s Act 150. The order outlines how Burlington will enforce the law, which prohibits civil arrests, including immigration-related arrests, in designated sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, places of worship, and government buildings.

The signing took place at The Sanctuary at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, where the mayor was joined by community partners and advocates. In her remarks, Mulvaney-Stanak emphasized the importance of sensitive locations as essential to community well-being. “They are essential to thriving, healthy, and stable societies, but people need to trust that they are safe and accessible by everyone, including and especially our most vulnerable neighbors,” she stated.

Executive Order 2026-2 instructs the City of Burlington to ensure the implementation of Act 150 across all relevant locations. It also clarifies that the Burlington Police Department will not respond to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement at sensitive locations unless there is a reported public safety concern. If officers do respond, their role is limited to maintaining public safety under existing department policy.

The mayor was joined at the podium by Senator Tanya Vyhovsky, the lead sponsor of Vermont Senate Bill 209 (Act 150), and Jordan Souder, a policy advocate with the ACLU of Vermont, who played a key role in the bill’s passage. Representatives from sensitive locations also shared their perspectives, highlighting the significance of the legislation for public institutions and the protection of vulnerable communities.

Mary Danko, Director of the Fletcher Free Library, spoke to the importance of the law for public libraries and other public institutions. Katherine Schad, the City of Burlington’s Chief Administrative Officer, emphasized the need to protect public government buildings and polling places. Reverend Karen Johnston, Senior Minister at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, spoke to the significance of houses of worship as protected spaces under the legislation.

“State policy is only the foundation – our community partners and advocacy groups are the true engine of this work,” Mulvaney-Stanak reflected. Speakers stressed that while Act 150 is an important step, it should be part of a broader effort to support immigrants and address the challenges of the current era. The event underscored the collaborative nature of implementing such policies and the role of faith-based communities in advocating for justice and protection.

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