Migrant Justice: Leading the Charge Against Immigration Policy in Vermont
The journey of Migrant Justice, an organization advocating for migrant farm workers in Vermont, has evolved into a formidable movement against U.S. immigration policy. In a compelling cover story, Lucy Tompkins explores the organization’s history, significant achievements, and remarkable expansion. Her on-site visits to dairy farms, protests, and worker meetings in Franklin County shed light on the effectiveness of local nonprofits in advocating for migrant rights.
Insights from Recent Immigration Clashes
This week, Tompkins provides an update following her intensive analysis of the March 11 confrontation between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and local demonstrators in South Burlington. By meticulously reviewing hours of body camera footage from the incident, she exposes the complexities of law enforcement’s efforts to maintain order amid heightened tensions.
Documenting Vermont’s Immigration Landscape
Having joined Seven Days nearly a year ago, Tompkins has been focused on reporting issues surrounding Vermont’s immigration, northern border, and refugee communities—topics that have become increasingly relevant, particularly in the wake of Donald Trump’s presidency. In her time with the publication, she has taken on an ambitious workload.
Uncovering Stories of Detention and Fear
One of Tompkins’ initial impactful articles covered the story of the Winooski Schools Superintendent, who faced detainment while returning from Nicaragua on July 22, 2025. Since that pivotal moment, she has documented numerous instances of Vermonters being apprehended by ICE, detailing both the struggles for their release and the precarious situations faced by immigrant families worrying for their loved ones amid potential arrests. Her reporting also includes firsthand experiences, such as accompanying U.S. Border Patrol agents along the Vermont-Canada border and joining a priest offering religious services on a local farm.
Commitment to Thorough and Contextual Reporting
Described as tenacious and patient, Tompkins has cultivated valuable sources across the spectrum of this complex issue. Her detailed reporting unveils stories that might otherwise go untold, delivered with clarity and the necessary context. Readers can explore her extensive body of work from the past ten months at sevendaysvt.com/lucy.
Supported by Report for America Initiative
Tompkins’ role at Seven Days is made possible by Report for America, a national service program designed to place talented young reporters in local newsrooms. Participating media organizations compete to host reporters by proposing underreported areas of focus. Once selected, they aim to connect emerging journalists with opportunities to address unmet community needs.
Leveraging Experience for Local Impact
Lucy Tompkins brings a wealth of experience to her position. A graduate of the University of Montana with a degree in journalism, she leveraged a Fulbright Scholarship to study international asylum law in Germany. Her previous reporting fellowship saw her contribute to national coronavirus coverage for the New York Times and address housing issues for the Texas Tribune. Eager to return to local journalism, she found her niche at Seven Days.
Conclusion: A Call for Ongoing Support
With Report for America actively recruiting for local news organizations, many under-resourced media outlets have benefited from the talents of corps members like Tompkins. This funding model also serves to enhance reader engagement. To sustain the valuable reporting led by Tompkins, Seven Days encourages tax-deductible donations through Report Local, the nonprofit organization supporting the RFA program. Your contributions will help continue insightful and impactful journalism.
