Vermont Senate adopts resolution condemning tactics used during "Operation Metro Surge"
Loading...
Summary
The Vermont Senate on Feb. 6 adopted SR 21 condemning tactics used in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's "Operation Metro Surge," including language added by a bipartisan amendment citing two fatal encounters in Minneapolis; the measure passed after debate over due process and legislative authority.
The Vermont Senate adopted SR 21 on Feb. 6, a resolution that condemns tactics used during U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Operation Metro Surge and cites recent fatal encounters in Minneapolis. The body approved committee amendments and passed the resolution in a final voice vote after prior roll-call action.
Senator from Chittenden, sponsor of the resolution, told colleagues the measure was drafted in a bipartisan way and that the Judiciary Committee had made two changes, including inserting the phrase "based on initial and substantial evidence" to the preamble. "That clause now reads that the Senate of the state of Vermont, based on initial and substantial evidence, unequivocally condemns the extrajudicial killings of Renee Good and Alex Preddy as grave violations of human dignity, civil liberties, and the constitutional protections owed to all persons," the sponsor said during debate.
Opponents stressed concerns about pre-judging incidents before investigations conclude. "This resolution reaches conclusions and assigns responsibilities before these processes are completed," said Senator from Addison, who explained a no vote by arguing that the legislature should not substitute political judgment for legal findings and must respect due process.
A roll call on the committee amendment was taken earlier in the proceeding; the clerk reported 25 voting in favor and 4 opposed, and the amendment carried. For the resolution's third reading a subsequent roll-call tally was announced as 24 in favor and 5 opposed before the presiding officer declared the resolution adopted.
Senators who sought to explain their votes said they supported peaceful demonstration and oversight but differed on whether a legislative resolution was the appropriate mechanism to make factual findings about federal operations. The sponsor said the measure sought primarily to express the Senate's condemnation of tactics and to underscore bipartisan concern.
SR 21 will appear in the Senate's journal as adopted; the resolution text and committee report were referenced on the day's calendar.
