Vermont Police Under Fire for Immigration Raid

0:00In Canada, it's March 20th, and here's what is going on. Lawmakers in Vermont questioned local and state police Thursday about violent clashes during a federal immigration operation last week in South. Burlington, federal agents targeted a man suspected of unlawful reentry, a criminal matter, but he was not at the door set street house they raided. Instead, three others were detained under civil immigration rules after protesters surrounded the site. Local police chief Bill Browell said they called in state troopers because federal officers planned the force entry with a warrant. State officials described their role as keeping protesters and officers safe, calling it a public safety duty amid rising tensions. The hearing drew sharp reactions with dozens scoffing and laughing as police denied misconduct and praised their professionalism. Activists accused officers of breaking the state's fair and impartial policing policy, which bars helping federal agents on civil immigration cases. And downplays criminal ones as low priority.

1:01Protesters shared stories of excessive force, like an officer ripping off goggles and peppers spraying someone at close range. Police blamed agitators in the crowd for escalating things, while a senator who witnessed it said state troopers initiated violence by throwing people, aside, an internal affairs probe is wrapping up, with just one Burlington officer under review so far. Officials urged working together instead of pointing fingers, as the man's grow for a fuller investigation into the police role.