According to police reports, Vermont State Police arrested 11 individuals and cited two others for criminal trespass on February 9, 2026, in Williston. The arrests occurred after the group refused to leave a private office building where they were protesting against federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The building’s owner contacted the police to report that the protesters were trespassing and requested their removal. Officers from Vermont State Police and Williston Police Department engaged with the protest leaders, offering a designated area outside for their demonstration. However, the protesters declined to relocate, expressing a desire to be arrested instead.
Despite repeated encouragement to leave voluntarily, the group remained in the atrium, prompting police to issue a dispersal order. Troopers facilitated the arrests to ensure they were conducted peacefully. The property owner sought to maintain access for other users of the facility.
All 13 individuals arrested or cited are scheduled to appear for arraignment at 8:30 a.m. on March 2, 2026, in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in Burlington. Charges are currently allegations, and further updates regarding the individuals’ identities and the case may follow.
The Vermont williston police situation continues to develop.
Read more Vermont news stories at VTScout.
The Daily Scout.
Top stories, weather, and what’s on tap statewide — in your inbox by half past six. Free, daily.
Almost there.
Check your inbox to confirm your subscription. The first edition lands tomorrow morning.
Source: Vermont State Police
About this report AI-assisted
Source: Vermont State Police ↗
How this was written: This story was drafted with AI assistance from public-record sources and published under VTScout's editorial standards. Spot something wrong? Request a correction.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges and court dates are subject to change. Reporting is based on information from law enforcement and public records, and will be updated as more details become available.
The VTScout newsroom covers Vermont local news, public safety, and community life across the four regions of the state. Tips and corrections welcome at [email protected].