She has spent most of her life on a Vermont dairy farm. Now, she faces a precarious future as collateral enforcement against immigrants has increased significantly in the region. Living on the farm for over a decade, she has become a vital part of the local community while caring for her five children and two orphaned younger sisters. The recent announcements have sent shockwaves of fear across Vermont’s dairy sector. This essential industry pumps a remarkable $5.4 billion into the state’s economy annually.
On April 21, José, along with seven of his co-workers, were detained on the same dairy farm where Bernardo lives and works. This incident has increased fear within the workforce on dairy farms. Families are experiencing the squeeze as well, particularly as more than 90% of Vermont farms surveyed depend on the presence of migrant workers. With approximately 113,000 cows and 7,500 goats across 480 farms, Vermont plays a crucial role in New England’s dairy production, contributing nearly two-thirds of the region’s milk.
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets reported that the dairy industry’s economic impact has more than doubled in the last decade, highlighting its significance not only to the state’s economy but to its identity. Together with maple syrup, dairy farming forms the bedrock of Vermont’s unique identity. Over 62% of the state’s agricultural land is used for dairy and associated feed crops.
The recent raids have raised fear and indignation among area residents. Hundreds of supporters rallied around Bernardo during her recent check-in with immigration officials, emphasizing the community’s solidarity amid rising tensions. A 2023 letter signed by hundreds of state lawmakers, including members from both the Ohio House and Senate, supports Bernardo’s application to stop her deportation on humanitarian grounds.
Brett Stokes, director of the Center for Justice Reform Clinic at Vermont Law and Graduate School, commented on the situation saying,
“These strong-arm tactics that we’re seeing and these increases in enforcement, whether legal or not, all play a role in stoking fear in the community.”
Yet the emotional toll on families like Bernardo’s is difficult to overstate. She made her apprehensions known on the ground during trips to ICE offices, telling reporters that
“I saw through the window of the house that immigration were already there, inside the farm, and that’s when they detained us.”
As Vermont comes to terms with these challenges, the Vermont dairy industry is still one of its most important economic drivers and cultural foundations. The community’s commitment to supporting its immigrant members underscores the need for dialogue around immigration policies and their effect on local livelihoods.
“I was in the process of asylum, and even with that, they didn’t respect the document that I was still holding in my hands.”
The emotional toll on families like Bernardo’s is palpable. She expressed her fears during visits to immigration offices by stating,
“It’s really difficult because every time I come here, I don’t know if I’ll be going back to my family or not.”
As Vermont grapples with these challenges, the dairy industry remains a vital economic engine and cultural pillar. The community’s commitment to supporting its immigrant members underscores the need for dialogue around immigration policies and their effect on local livelihoods.
