Vermont AFL-CIO Stands with Minnesota in ICE Protest
Vermont Unions Stand in Solidarity with Minnesota Workers Facing ICE Raids
Montpelier, VT – January 22, 2026 – Vermont labor unions are mobilizing in support of their counterparts in Minnesota following recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting unionized workplaces. The actions, widely condemned by labor advocates, have sparked outrage and concerns about the erosion of worker rights, the targeting of communities of color, and the overall safety of working families. Vermont union members are urged to wear blue tomorrow as a visible demonstration of solidarity and are encouraged to contribute to a mutual aid fund established to support impacted Minnesota workers.
The Situation in Minnesota: A Targeted Assault on Workers
Recent weeks have seen a series of coordinated ICE raids primarily impacting workplaces with notable numbers of immigrant workers, many of whom are members of unions affiliated with the Minnesota AFL-CIO. https://www.aflcio.org/ These raids have resulted in the detention and potential deportation of essential workers across various sectors, including construction, food processing, and healthcare support.
the Minnesota AFL-CIO has publicly stated that the raids appear to be specifically targeting workplaces where workers are actively organizing for better wages, benefits, and working conditions.https://workingpartnerships.betterworld.org/campaigns/support-impacted-union-families This has fueled accusations that ICE is being used as a tool to suppress union activity and undermine the collective bargaining power of workers.
“These raids aren’t about enforcing immigration law; they’re about breaking unions and intimidating workers,” stated David Fillmore,President of the Vermont AFL-CIO,in a press release. “They are a direct attack on the labor movement and the basic rights of all workers.”
The Broader Context: ICE Enforcement and Worker Vulnerability
The recent events in Minnesota are not isolated incidents. They reflect a broader trend of increased ICE enforcement activity under the current governance, coupled with a growing number of reports of ICE targeting workplaces for immigration audits and raids. https://www.aclu.org/
This heightened enforcement habitat creates a climate of fear within immigrant communities, making workers more vulnerable to exploitation and wage theft. Workers fearing deportation are less likely to report unsafe working conditions,demand fair wages,or exercise their rights under labor laws. This ultimately harms all workers by driving down standards and creating an uneven playing field.
According to a 2024 report by the National Employment law Project (NELP), increased ICE enforcement is directly correlated with a rise in wage violations and unsafe working conditions in industries heavily reliant on immigrant labor. https://www.nelp.org/ The report highlights that employers often exploit the fear of deportation to suppress worker organizing and maintain low wages.
Why This matters to Vermont Workers
While geographically distant from Minnesota,vermont union members recognize the interconnectedness of the labor movement. The principles of solidarity and collective bargaining transcend state lines. An attack on workers’ rights in one state is an attack on workers’ rights everywhere.
“The labor movement is built on the idea that an injury to one is an injury to all,” explains Sarah Miller, a representative of the Vermont State Employees’ Association (VSEA).“When ICE targets workers in Minnesota,it sends a chilling message to workers across the country,including here in Vermont.It tells them that their rights are not protected and that they can be easily deported for simply trying to improve their lives.”
Vermont, like many states, relies on the contributions of immigrant workers in key sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, and healthcare. Protecting the rights of these workers is not only a matter of fairness but also essential for maintaining a strong and stable economy.
Furthermore, the tactics employed by ICE in Minnesota – targeting unionized workplaces – pose a direct threat to the organizing efforts of workers in Vermont. If employers believe they can use ICE as a tool to suppress unionization, it will undermine the ability of workers to collectively bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions.
the Call to Action: Solidarity in Practice
Vermont labor unions are responding to the situation in Minnesota with a multi-pronged approach:
* Wear Blue Day: Tomorrow, January 23rd, union members across Vermont are encouraged to wear blue in solidarity with the Minnesota labor movement.This visible display of support aims to raise awareness about the issue and demonstrate the strength of the labor movement.
* Financial Support: The Minnesota AFL-CIO has established a mutual aid fund to provide emergency legal assistance and financial support to impacted union members and their families. https://workingpartnerships.betterworld.org/campaigns/support-impacted-union-families Vermont workers are urged to contribute what they can to this fund.
* advocacy: Vermont’s congressional delegation is being urged to hold ICE accountable for its actions and to advocate for complete immigration reform that protects the rights of all workers. this includes advocating for policies that prevent ICE from conducting raids in sensitive locations, such as workplaces and schools, and ensuring due process for all individuals facing deportation.
* Community Education: Unions are actively engaging in community education