8 dairy workers detained by Border Patrol - take action now!

On the evening of April 21st, armed Border Patrol agents entered a Vermont dairy farm and detained eight farmworkers. This is the largest single immigration arrest of farmworkers – and one of the largest worksite arrests – in recent Vermont history. The eight workers are now held in detention and at risk of deportation. 

Jesús, Juan, Luis, Urillas, Max, Adrian, José, and Dani are all dairy workers living and working in Franklin County. Ranging from 22 to 41 years old, they came to Vermont to work on a dairy farm searching for a better life for themselves and their families. For this, they are now being held behind bars.

The community is rallying to the defense of the eight farmworkers, demanding their freedom and a stop to their deportations. Add your voice by signing a petition urging the immigration judge to order their release!

The detentions of the eight farmworkers have generated a flurry of press stories and an outpouring of community support. People are rightly horrified by the inhumane and unjust actions of Border Patrol. In response to the arrests, Migrant Justice leader Cristian Santos said:

“What happened Monday night was an injustice. Dairy workers were arrested by Border Patrol in their own homes, a violation of their human rights. We work hard to support the economy of this state, working long hours for low wages, doing work that U.S. citizens don’t want to do. Remember: the cows don’t milk themselves. We demand freedom for our fellow community members and won’t rest until they are free.”

Sign the petition below to free the farmworkers. Add your name to a message that will be transmitted to the immigraiton court to support the bond applications of the detained farmworkers.

Dear Immigration Judge,

I am writing in support of Jesus Mendez Hernandez, Juan Javier Rodriguez-Gomez, Luis Enrique Gomez-Aguilar, Urillas Sargento, Diblaim Maximo Sargento-Morales, Adrian Zunun-Joachin, Jose Edilberto Molina-Aguilar, and Dani Alvarez-Perez.

The eight detainees are farmworkers with deep ties to their community. Their detention has generated significant concern throughout Vermont, given the importance of dairy workers to the state’s economy and culture. We write to urge their release on bond and any relief they seek, so they can be free to return to their families and community in Vermont.

Sincerely,