Federal prosecutors announced Sept. 30 that five people had been charged with obstructing access to Immigration and Customs Enforcement's National Criminal Analysis and Targeting Center in Williston.
The defendants are Peter Booth, Lexington Kennedy, Henry Prensky, Roan Wade and Sherri Wormser. Prosecutors allege all five blocked access doors at the White Cap business park Feb. 9 and ignored instructions to leave. They allege Booth and Prensky returned May 14, and Kennedy and Wade July 24.
The charges are allegations. Each defendant faces up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 if convicted. Prosecutors said the blockades created a safety risk for people who work at the facility. The Sept. 30 release said summonses had been issued, initial appearances were not yet scheduled, and the defendants had not retained or been appointed counsel.
Chittenden County State's Attorney Sarah George had declined state charges over the sit-ins. Attorney General Charity Clark later brought trespass charges over the July protest; those defendants pleaded not guilty, Vermont Public reported Oct. 1.
Robert Appel, who represented protesters in the state cases but said he had not taken on the federal cases, characterized the new charges as an effort to intimidate protesters, according to that report.
Sources
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Vermont, Sept. 30, 2026
Liam Elder-Connors, Vermont Public, republished by NHPR, Oct. 1, 2026