Community Update: Unity
Winooski was shocked by the recent detainment of Wilmer Chavarria—our respected school superintendent. Wilmer isn’t just an administrator; he’s a trusted leader, friend and U.S. citizen whose commitment to our schools is magnetic.
The incident has ignited a very real fear across Winooski. Will ICE agents take our kids off the street? Can we be taken from the community garden? Are our outspoken voices—community organizers, educators, elected officials—now targets?
Aside from knowing your rights, here’s what can give you power: our unity is our strongest defense, Winooski. Since Wilmer’s detention,
· Residents and reps from immigrant communities have been in contact with me.
· Both our city council and school board issued public condemnations.
· Mayor Lott and I have discussed outreach plans.
· Rep. Tomlinson and I are teaming up with advocacy groups to host community forums.
· Dozens of my colleagues in the statehouse have reached out in solidarity.
· Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas and Treasurer Mike Pieciak denounced the detainment.
· Our congressional delegation is demanding accountability in Washington.
Every statement validating the injustice and anger is important, but it’s a collective thread from our neighbors’ living rooms to City Hall, the State House and Capitol Hill—that truly shields us. Visibility is protection.
Each of us has a role to play, including those who have the privilege to so far not be impacted directly by ICE or CBP events. Check in on your neighbors—especially those who may feel isolated by cultural, language barriers or immigration status. Offer to translate, to accompany them to appointments, or to serve as witnesses during any federal interactions.
Winooski is a place that values diversity and compassion. When we stand together, we send a clear message: harassment, intimidation, and unlawful detentions have no place here—and any overreach will meet unwavering solidarity in Winooski.
Watch for announcements from me and Rep Tomlinson regarding upcoming community forums, and see the below for important information from Migrant Justice and the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project.
Respectfully,
Rep Berbeco
P.O. Box 381 | Winooski, VT | 05404 | (802) 391-4112 | DaisyBerbecoVT@gmail.com
How You Can Help
Support VAAP’s Legal Services & Pro Bono Coordination. We are expanding Vermont’s immigration attorney pool so that every case of federal overreach can be met with skilled advocacy.
Advocate for Legislative Reform. Urge your federal representatives to strengthen CBP/ICE accountability measures, fund DOJ [Department of Justice] Immigration Judge backlogs, and codify clear standards for lawful border operations.
Stay Informed & “Know Your Rights.” Read the ACLU’s border‑crossing guidance: ACLU Know Your Rights. Visit the Vermont Attorney General’s “Know Your Rights” page: VT AGO Resources.
Document & Report Abuses. If you or someone you know experiences an ICE raid or unlawful detention, please report it anonymously here: VAAP ICE Raid Hotline »
Practical Advice for Travelers
Based on widely accepted best practices—and my own recent border‑crossing experience shared on social media before and after crossing back into the U.S. from Canada—here are key steps to reduce risks and assert your rights:
Stay calm and have documents in plain view.
Limit voluntary disclosure—answer questions honestly but concisely; you have the right to remain silent on unrelated inquiries.
Clarify your status: Ask whether you are free to go or under detention, and whether an officer has a warrant.
Request counsel if you feel your rights are at risk.
Document the encounter: Write down what you saw, heard, and felt. Store that information safely.
Alert a trusted contact: Let someone with legal status know your travel plans and whom to call if you don’t check in.