At its Town Meeting on March 7, 2017, residents of East Montpelier, Vermont unanimously

passed a non-binding resolution welcoming immigrants in the community and asking the Town
to direct its employees not to inquire into any residents immigration status or religious affiliation
as part of their official duties and not to dedicate time or resources to enforcing federal
immigration policy.

The resolution was put on the warning by the Selectboard and amended on the floor by
Selectboard member Carl Etnier, after he consulted with Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan
and Will Lambek of Migrant Justice.

Numerous residents spoke out in favor of the resolution, and also of the need to work with state
authorities to ensure the states Fair and Impartial Policing policy is followed. Etnier commented,
Town residents have been clear: we support and value everyone who lives in our community.
Vermont State Police provide most of the law enforcement for East Montpelier. Now that the
town has passed this resolution, the Selectboard will approach Vermont State Police to discuss its
implications for their work in town.

Full text of the resolution, as passed:

ARTICLE 18: Other non-binding business.

Shall the Town of East Montpelier adopt the following policy:
The Town of East Montpelier will direct employees not to inquire into any resident's immigration
status or religious affiliation as part of their official duties and not to dedicate any time or
resources to:
1) providing a state or federal agency with information that would not otherwise
be available to the public; or,
2) assistance in enforcing federal immigration policy.
The residents of East Montpelier accept, welcome, and will support immigrants.