House adopts resolution endorsing Governor Scott's statement on federal immigration enforcement, 106-25

The Vermont House adopted House Resolution 12, expressing support for the principles behind Governor Philip B. Scott's statement regarding federal immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota known as Operation Metro Surge. The resolution cites the deployment of roughly 3,000 federal agents, references the January 24, 2026 fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen at a protest site in Minneapolis, and urges protection of constitutional rights and coordinated law enforcement practices.

Resolution text included the governor's words: "Enough. It's not acceptable for American citizens to be killed by federal agents for exercising their God given and constitutional rights of to protest their government." The measure asks the House to stand "firm in its defense of the rights of all under the US Constitution" and directs the clerk to send copies of the resolution to the governor, the president, the U.S. secretary of Homeland Security and the Vermont congressional delegation.

Members debated the resolution on the floor. Opponents argued the measure risked overreach and urged focus on Vermont issues; some members said it did not sufficiently call for de-escalation by all parties. Supporters described the situation in Minneapolis as part of a national crisis with local implications and said the House should register concern and urge constitutional protections. Several lawmakers offered brief personal explanations of their votes during the roll call.

The clerk recorded the roll-call result: 106 yes, 25 no. Members who spoke in favor and against provided explanations that ranged from calls for federal accountability to concerns for federal law enforcement officers serving in local communities. The resolution was adopted and the clerk was directed to transmit copies to named federal and state officials.