Bearing Witness
New England

Bearing Witness New EnglandBearing Witness New EnglandBearing Witness New England
  • Home
  • The Standout
  • Our Goals
  • Inside ICE
  • About
  • Media Inquiries
  • More
    • Home
    • The Standout
    • Our Goals
    • Inside ICE
    • About
    • Media Inquiries

Bearing Witness
New England

Bearing Witness New EnglandBearing Witness New EnglandBearing Witness New England
  • Home
  • The Standout
  • Our Goals
  • Inside ICE
  • About
  • Media Inquiries

Guidelines

Above all, we are committed to nonviolence.

• We stand peacefully with signs outside the facility.

• We do not block the entrance, approach ICE agents, or block traffic on District Ave.

• We do not stand in restricted areas as designated by Burlington police.

• We do not engage with "counter protestors," those who are supporters of ICE.

Interactions 

Immigrants who are fortunate to leave the facility have shown gratitude for our presence and some share their stories with us.

• ICE agents tend to cover their faces with masks, many record us with their phones, others give a satisfied

   smile or laugh, though they rarely say anything.

• The security officers stationed at the front of the building have not bothered us to date. 

• Passersby from nearby businesses often thank us for being there, and many have shared that they never

   knew that the building at 1000 District Avenue was an ICE facility.

  

Parking

Parking is currently an ongoing issue for all attendees. Please note that you run the risk of getting your car towed when parking in any private lots along District Avenue  or at the Burlington Mall. 


  • National Development, owners of The District properties along District Avenue have begun towing cars for those they deem are not patrons of The District shops and restaurants. Note that the ICE building is not owned by National Development; instead it is owned by Robert Murray, owner of Cafe Escadrille in Burlington. 


  • While we aren't aware of cars being towed from the Burlington Mall (as of Jan. 26, 2026), which is owned by Simon, people who choose to park there do so at their own risk. 


  • The AMC 10 Movie Theater (20 South Avenue, Burlington) has given us permission to park in their lot, which is a 0.8 mile walk to the ICE facility. Here is a map with safe walking directions. 


  • The 350 bus runs from the Alewife T stop to Burlington Mall Rd. The stop you want is "Burlington Mall Road" opposite NE Executive Park, which is the intersection of Mall Road and District Avenue. 


  • If you prefer a shorter bus ride, you can drive to Burlington and park at United Church of Christ (6 Lexington St., Burlington) or Temple Shalom Emeth (16 Lexington St., Burlington) and walk to the 350 bus stop at the intersection of Cambridge Street and Bedford Street.

Signs 

Due to the ongoing parking issues, we recommend that standout attendees do not bring their own signs, as they can be seen carrying them if they choose to park in The District or at the Burlington Mall. 


Instead, please consider borrowing a sign from a large selection offered by Bearing Witness at each Wednesday standout. Upon arrival ask any safety marshall (wearing an orange vest) for the location of the box of signs. At the conclusion of the standout, please return the signs to the box. 


If you choose to bring a sign, please remember that this is a very targeted action outside the ICE facility and is not the venue for protesting other causes. Even though we care deeply about other issues. While outside ICE we must remain focused on immigration. Our goal is to come together across any political differences to show our collective support for immigrants and their rights.

Photography and Video Recording 

Attendees should be aware that Bearing Witness standouts are held in a public space. Photographers and videographers capture images and videos at each standout. Those uncomfortable with being photographed or recorded may want to consider a variety of other ways to help immigrants. Please visit the homepage of this website and scroll to the "Links to Helpful Resources" section for more information.  


Safety and Comfort

Marshalls in fluorescent vests are scattered throughout the crowd. If you encounter a problem, seek out a marshall (trained standout organizer). There are medics on hand in blue fluorescent vests. They have water, snacks, hand warmers, and first aid kits.


Before arriving, please consider your own self-preservation (citizenship status) and self-care (sunscreen, hydration, etc.). There are restaurants nearby (Clover, Pressed Cafe, Chipotle).  

How to make a protest sign

Join us Every Wednesday, 11am to 1PM

  • Media Inquiries

BearingWitnessNE.org

Copyright © 2025 BearingWitnessNE.org - All Rights Reserved.