Montpelier, VT – Treasurer Mike Pieciak’s Task Force on the Federal Transition held a webinar with local and national immigration experts to help Vermont employers understand their rights and obligations during a workplace visit from Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The discussion, which involved over 700 participants representing businesses and organizations across Vermont, was hosted in partnership with the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR). A recording of the webinar can be found here.
The panel was moderated by Sue Minter, co- chair of the Treasurer’s Task Force on the Federal Transition and former Executive Director of Capstone Community Action. Panelists included:
- Jill Martin Diaz, Executive Director of the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project (VAAP) and a member of the Treasurer’s Task Force. Diaz shared how employers and employees can prepare for an ICE visit, the importance of non-interference, and the necessity of clear documentation.
- Kelli Duehning, a partner and attorney at BAL, a global immigration law firm, outlined the pathways ICE can take to enter a workplace, best practices for verifying an agent’s credibility, and the difference between public and private spaces. She also spoke to a wide range of specific programs, like the H-2B visa program and the Temporary Protected Status programs.
- Vermont’s Solicitor General Jonathan Rose, who works within the State Attorney General’s Office, provided an overview of the impact of President Trump’s executive orders on critical immigration resources and addressed questions at a high level on the relationship between ICE and law enforcement.
- Michael Webster, an Immigration Program Specialist with the Association of Africans Living in Vermont, and former ICE official, provided perspective on the practical and logistical constraints of ICE operations. He noted that large-scale ICE operations require significant resources, and ICE is currently prioritizing individuals with criminal records who are deemed threats to public safety.
- Professor Nicole Killoran of Vermont Law and Graduate School outlined several resources available for employers, articulating the importance of upholding the rule of law and our civic responsibilities.
“I am grateful to these thoughtful, expert panelists for helping Vermont employers navigate the uncertainty of the Federal Government’s immigration policies,” said Treasurer Pieciak. “The Task Force will continue working to ensure Vermonters have the clarity and support they need.”
Amy Spear, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, said, “We were proud to collaborate on this event to help Vermont’s businesses understand their rights, responsibilities, and the practical steps they can take. The webinar underscored the importance of clarity and preparedness for businesses across diverse industries, and we hope that by providing these insights, we can help create a more secure and informed environment for both employers and employees.”
“Vermont businesses thrive when they have the tools to navigate complex challenges, and this discussion was crucial for providing that support,” said Roxanne Vought, Executive Director of VBSR. “Employers want to do right by their employees, and understanding immigration policies is a key part of that. We’re grateful to our expert panelists for helping ensure Vermont’s employers remain prepared during this time of uncertainty.”
The Treasurer's Office will be following up on questions that weren't answered during the webinar, given the large volume of participants and questions. Resources will be posted to the Treasurer's Task Force website in the coming weeks.
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