The largest single immigration enforcement action against farmworkers in recent Vermont history. U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents raided Pleasant Valley Farm in Berkshire (Franklin County) and arrested 8 workers.

The Incident

• Date: April 21, 2025, approximately 6 p.m.
• Location: Pleasant Valley Farm, Berkshire, VT — described as the biggest dairy farm in Vermont
• Agency: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (not ICE)
• Workers detained: 8, ages 22–41, all farmworkers
• Pretext: CBP said a “concerned citizen” reported two people with backpacks exiting a wooded area near the Canadian border (~2.5 miles away). One person fled; during the search, agents “located and apprehended additional individuals determined to be illegally present”
• Processing: Workers booked into Northwest State Correctional Facility (Swanton) between 4–6 a.m. the next morning

Outcome

• 3 deported to Mexico via expedited removal (confirmed May 7, 2025)
• 6 remained in immigration detention, fighting deportation
• At least some subsequently released on bond (May 2025)

Expedited Removal Controversy

Federal immigration officials used expedited removal — an authority traditionally applied to people seeking entry or crossing the border. Under Trump’s second term, this has been expanded to arrest people who currently live in the United States.

Industry Impact

• Vermont has ~850 migrant farmworkers employed year-round, mostly on dairies
• Migrant workers are hired on “almost every farm in Vermont”
• The raid sent shockwaves through the dairy industry: “VT dairy industry braces for more ICE raids”
• Workers reported being afraid to leave farms after the raid
• State leaders decried the arrests

CBP vs. Migrant Justice Accounts

• CBP: Agents responded to a tip; not a planned operation or worksite enforcement
• Migrant Justice (Will Lambek): The tip was a “flimsy pretext”; Border Patrol entered farm property, chased workers through barns, and entered a private dwelling

Why This Matters for the Pipeline

Franklin County (FIPS 50011) has the highest heatmap score (50) in Vermont. This single event explains the score:

• IGSA facility (NWSCF) is located in Franklin County
• The dairy raid occurred in Berkshire (also Franklin County)
• The Canadian border proximity gives CBP jurisdiction to operate

Sources:

• WCAX — Federal agents raid Vermont farm, detain 8 workers
• Vermont Public — State leaders decry arrests of eight migrant farmworkers
• Seven Days — Berkshire Dairy Farmworkers Arrest Strikes Fear
• VTDigger — 3 migrant farmworkers deported to Mexico
• Civil Eats — Federal Agents Detain Workers at a Vermont Dairy Farm
• Migrant Justice — 3 farmworkers deported; 6 fighting for freedom