Why yes, yes we do. These were taken on 8/28/25 by George Weymouth georgeweymouth@proton.me.

We oppose ICE in every way.  Ultimately we want ICE out of Burlington. In the short term though, we want regular Board of Health inspections of the detention areas  in 1000 District Ave and a stop to all the cruelty and abuses of detainees.  If ICE refuses to comply with humane treatment of detainees, we insist that the detentions stop there altogether. 

Additionally we want to see the lease and any other documents that relate to ICE's occupancy of 1000 District Ave, so that we can see on what basis they can deny access to the building even to health inspectors. We have also requested this via FOIA.

Some people have asked why we don't demand that the lease end immediately and ICE be kicked out. We think this is not realistic.

The U.S. Constitution's Supremacy Clause generally prevents states from directly regulating the federal government or discriminating against it.. However, it is not absolute. All people in the United States, citizen or not, have the right to humane treatment and due process.  The Supremacy Clause has been used to enforce treaties and prevent taxes.  It has NOT been used to allow inhumane, unconstitutional treatment of prisoners over the objections of a state.

Okay, there was this one case, Ableman v. Booth, 62 U.S. 506 (1859),  where the Supreme Court found it was illegal for state officials to interfere with the work of U.S. Marshals enforcing the Fugitive Slave Act.  Is that acceptable? 

Would we allow the federal government to develop biological weapons in an office building next to the Burlington Mall, just because of the Supremacy Clause?

In fact, on August 19th, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals threw out a decision based on the Supremacy Clause and allowed Washington to regulate ICE detention.  See  https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/court-overturns-injunction-blocking-washington-state-regulating-immigration-2025-08-19/

In an ideal world, yes, but this is not an ideal world. The town requested an inspection and was firmly refused by ICE. For reasons unknown to us,  the town has not responded further.  More to the point though, the town is us, we are the town.  It is citizens' jobs to get involved in local issues, not to toss them over to the Burlington Select Board and wash our hands of them. Especially in the face of human rights abuses.

Mr. Murray owns 1000 District Ave. We do not accept that he has no oversight whatsoever of that building and no influence over ICE in requiring inspections of it.  Leases are not absolute, irrevocable contracts signed by God. If a lease requires that you allow people to be brutalized in a building you own, you break that lease and deal with the consequences. Maybe he'll get sued.  Big deal.  If that was my building I would happily take it to court. 

We care about Cafe Escadrille only insofar as it is a lever to stop an inhumane prison. If we saw so much as a statement from Mr. Murray we would reevaluate our plans.

No matter how much money he has given to a food pantry and Little League (and really, how much was it?) it does not give him moral permission to profit from a black site prison in his own building.

Additionally, we have seen no statement, no press release, no web page indicating that Mr. Murray has any comment whatsoever on this issue. 

WE TRIED. We sent email and letters.  We had agreed to stop protesting while his sort-of representative set up a meeting with him and his business team. That person then declined to continue participating, and now we're back to square one. 

Keep in mind also that this goes both ways. It is incredibly easy to reach us.  The letters contained full names and contact information. We had confirmation that the emails were received.  We know that Mr. Murray called the police in advance of our protest, which means he had our contact information. 

Not at this time, in so many words, though we are aware that people have decided not to return there, and we encourage this.

This is an important question! He owns both the restaurant and the building,  Click here to see page for documents. We weren't going to hassle some innocent restaurant owner. 

It's not only hurting the workers, but yes it is hurting them. We regret this.  We have reached out to them letting them know that we will never be aggressive on the premises, and they will not be harassed or bothered.  They know how to reach us. with any concerns.  Additionally, Mr. Murray could prevent further protests near his restaurant by contacting us.

A dress-up protest is mainly meant to be a fun idea, but basically all we ask is that you don't show up looking like a dirtbag.  Try to wear something a little nice.  We know nobody has a tux at home right this exact moment.  That said, people showed up looking absolutely fabulous last time so don't miss out!

Heatwave organizers. Anyone in an orange vest either is one or can direct you to one.  You can reach  us at action@heatwave.now or 617-444-9614.

We suggest the Town of Burlington Ice Palace, 36 Ray Ave, Burlington, MA 01803-4721 as this is public property.  

The members of Heatwave. 

Thank you for this kind thought.  We are unsure about the legal status of accepting money and we're not set up for it, so not right now.  We would accept donations of stamps and/or envelopes or maybe anything else you think might be useful, but there's no immediate need.