Attorney General Clark issues guidance on immigration enforcement
June 12, 2025 | By Waterbury RoundaboutVermont Attorney General Charity Clark this week announced that her office has put together guidance intended to help immigrants and non-U.S. citizens in the state understand their rights during encounters with federal immigration enforcement officers.
The move comes amidst stepped-up immigration actions by the federal government as the Trump administration seeks to deliver on its promise to increase deportations across the country.
The guide posted to the attorney general’s website was created in response to many Vermonters expressing concern about the recent changes in federal immigration enforcement, Clark’s announcement explains. It seeks to answer questions about the power of the federal government, the role of state and local law enforcement in civil immigration enforcement, and the rights Vermonters can exercise if they encounter immigration enforcement officers.
The “Know Your Rights” covers situations both at home or in public spaces, and it lists resources available in Vermont communities. The guide also addresses questions raised by the general public, such as whether or when immigration officers need a warrant to make an arrest or search private spaces.
“I know many in our communities are feeling anxious or scared right now,” Attorney General Clark said. “My office is providing this guide to give folks who may come in contact with immigration enforcement officers the tools they need to advocate for themselves and their loved ones.”
While the federal government has the authority to regulate immigration, it must honor the constitutional rights afforded to everyone in the U.S., regardless of their citizenship or immigration status. Some of those key rights covered in the guide include:
the right to remain silent
the right to request an interpreter and translated documents
the right not to consent to an officer searching you or your property without a judicial warrant
the right to ask officials to identify themselves
the right to request and review any court order or warrant
the right to talk to a lawyer if you are arrested or placed in custody.
The guide is published in English here and a Spanish-language version will be made available here soon. Direct any questions about the guide to the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Unit at 802-828-3657 or ago.civilrights@vermont.gov.
The guide was compiled by constitutional law experts in the attorney general’s office. The state attorney general does not practice immigration law. Anyone with questions about immigration status should seek out legal advice. Sources of free and reduced-cost legal help in Vermont are included in the guide.