Five protesters have been charged by the federal government for blocking entrances at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Williston on multiple occasions this year. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Vermont announced the charges late Wednesday afternoon.
The charges mark a significant escalation in the government’s response to protests at the facility, which houses an intelligence center for ICE.
Vermont State Police cited protesters for trespassing at the facility on February 9, May 14 and July 24, but Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George repeatedly refused to criminally charge them. Vermont State Police started referring the cases instead to the Attorney General’s Office, which also has authority to prosecute.
Last week, the AG’s office brought charges against 13 protesters cited at the July sit-in, drawing heated criticism from fellow Democratic leaders.
The charges come on the eve of a planned “week of action” against ICE, which a coalition of activist groups has publicly announced will involve more protests at federal facilities in Williston, beginning on October 4.
“This is an intimidation tactic and folks are not intimidated,” Julie Macuga, a 34-year-old Burlington resident and organizer, said via text message after learning of the federal charges.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office did not return a request for comment.
The five protesters range in age from 22 to 80 years old. They include Peter Booth, 58, of Jericho; Lexington Kennedy, 22, of New York, N.Y.; Henry Prensky, 80, of Burlington; Roan Wade, 23, of Red Hook, N.Y.; and Sherri Wormser, 57, of Colchester.
They’re accused of blocking the doors of the building and “obstructing the usual use, enjoyment and access to federal property,” according to court records, and face up to 30 days in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
All five were arrested in February while blocking entrances at the White Cap Business Park. They ignored three dispersal orders from the Vermont State Police, according to court records. Booth and Prensky were arrested again in May for similar behavior, while Kennedy, Wade and Wormser were arrested again at the July protest.
Wade, Kennedy and Wormser were also charged by the Vermont AG’s Office. They pleaded not guilty during court appearances last week.
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