With regard to two recent incidents, one in Skowhegan on March 21 and one in Lisbon on March 23, questions and concerns do remain.

It seems rather coincidental that Border Patrol was doing “training” in the area and informed Chief Bucknam of Skowhegan that the van he pulled over for unregistered plates might have marijuana in the back. Or, was it that he had prior knowledge of the pot and was waiting to spot the vehicle? Would this be considered in any way entrapment? Is it possible that the occupants were not knowledgeable about registrations? Were they hired from a person/persons in Massachusetts? Will there be an investigation regarding anyone in Massachusetts or is it possible this was a setup? Why was Border Patrol involved to begin with? Were persons in the van people of color? What happened after being detained in Skowhegan?

In Lisbon, once having had apprehended and charged a person with hit and run, why was there a follow up with respect to the residence and who lived there? Was the initial reason for arrest witnessed in front of Border Patrol? Did this, again, turn into a set up? And, again, Massachusetts involvement?

There seems to be a prevailing sentiment that undocumented migrants and those who break the law are one and the same. It seems that migrants can be exploited and then pay the consequences. Many who come here are law-abiding and only hope for a better life. They arrive wanting to work. And, for the record, they are legally here due to the fact that the United Nations Refugee Convention of 1951 made that agreement. We have yet to follow through.

Maureen Delahanty

Canaan