Two Migrant Justice leaders were arrested by Border Patrol agents in Richford, Vermont, Friday morning, according to the nonprofit advocacy group.The two individuals have been identified by Migrant Justice as Jose Ignacia De La Cruz and his stepdaughter, Heidy Perez. According to Migrant Justice, the two were pulled over by border agents in Franklin County, who smashed their car window and “violently detained the two community leaders.” In a social media post, the group urged supporters to gather outside the Border Patrol office on St. Albans Road to demand their release.Organizers also urged people gathered at a “No Kings” protest at Waterfront Park in Burlington to move to the Richford facility.”We want to have a large group, we want to pressure ICE,” they said. “We want to make sure they know these people are not alone.”Around 3 p.m., protesters gathered outside the office and started banging on the windows. Officers warned them to stop or face arrest.Jose Ignacio is a former dairy worker and prominent spokesperson for Vermont’s immigrant community, leading several campaigns for workers’ rights in the dairy and construction industries. Heidy graduated from Milton High School less than a week before her detention, and has also organized rallies for Milk with Dignity.Officials would not confirm with NBC5 if the two people are being held at the Richford office. Organizers from Migrant Justice say their legal team is working to get information, but have not received any updates from Border Patrol.
Two Migrant Justice leaders were arrested by Border Patrol agents in Richford, Vermont, Friday morning, according to the nonprofit advocacy group.
The two individuals have been identified by Migrant Justice as Jose Ignacia De La Cruz and his stepdaughter, Heidy Perez. According to Migrant Justice, the two were pulled over by border agents in Franklin County, who smashed their car window and “violently detained the two community leaders.”
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In a social media post, the group urged supporters to gather outside the Border Patrol office on St. Albans Road to demand their release.
Organizers also urged people gathered at a “No Kings” protest at Waterfront Park in Burlington to move to the Richford facility.
“We want to have a large group, we want to pressure ICE,” they said. “We want to make sure they know these people are not alone.”
Around 3 p.m., protesters gathered outside the office and started banging on the windows. Officers warned them to stop or face arrest.
Jose Ignacio is a former dairy worker and prominent spokesperson for Vermont’s immigrant community, leading several campaigns for workers’ rights in the dairy and construction industries. Heidy graduated from Milton High School less than a week before her detention, and has also organized rallies for Milk with Dignity.
Officials would not confirm with NBC5 if the two people are being held at the Richford office. Organizers from Migrant Justice say their legal team is working to get information, but have not received any updates from Border Patrol.
