March 15, 2026

What happened in South Burlington on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, was deeply troubling for our community. The recent federal immigration enforcement action has brought renewed attention to the real and lasting harm that family separation causes. However, this was certainly not the first time immigrant families in our communities have faced the threat or reality of being separated. Families live with the constant fear that a parent, caregiver, or family member could suddenly be taken away.

When a parent or primary caregiver is removed from a home, children lose not only daily support and stability but also their sense of safety and belonging. The trauma experienced by children and families in these moments can have lasting emotional, developmental, and psychological consequences. 

At The Family Room, we believe that families belong together. We know that children thrive when they have consistent care, love, and stability from the people who raise them. Policies and actions that separate families undermine the well-being of children and the strength of our communities.

At the same time, we have been deeply moved by the outpouring of support from our community in response to recent events. Neighbors, advocates, and organizations have come together to stand with families and speak out for compassion and dignity. This moment must not be the end of that support!

While we hope that what happened this week will not happen again, we know it may not be the last time our community faces this kind of situation. We cannot let up in our commitment to protecting families, supporting children, and standing together when members of our community are at risk.

We stand with immigrant families and with all who believe that every child deserves safety, dignity, and the support of their loved ones. The Family Room remains committed to supporting families, advocating for policies that keep them together, and building a community where all families can live without fear.

— The Janet S. Munt Family Room