FARMINGTON — Franklin County residents and people well beyond were shocked Friday when a photo showing Mount Blue Middle School Principal James Black in an ICE officer-inspired Halloween costume was shared online.

The photo of Black went viral over the weekend, showing him wearing what appears to be a tactical vest with a patch reading “POLICE ICE,” a hat with the word “ICE” and an American flag on the side, a stars-and-stripes neck gaiter and zip ties on his hip. 

Another photo that has been shared online appears to show Black dressed in the same outfit, holding an assault-style rifle. It isn’t clear who originally shared the second photo.

Local residents and people from the far reaches of Maine and beyond have called for Black to step down as principal. Many have made calls and sent emails to Regional School Unit 9 Superintendent Christian Elkington and school board members demanding action be taken.

Many have also said they will be writing letters to the board of directors and will be attending the board’s next meeting on Nov. 18 if Black has not resigned or if the district has not taken action.

Elkington said in a statement Monday afternoon that the district is aware of the situation and has received several communications from concerned staff and community members.

“As we understand it, this situation occurred off RSU #9 grounds and was not connected to any RSU #9 sponsored activities,” the statement read. “The district is responding to this situation in a manner consistent with our internal practices and procedures. We are also complying with our legal obligation to maintain the confidentiality of our employees.”

Emily Angela, of the Franklin County area, was the second person to share the first photo via Facebook. Emily Angela, who asked to be identified by her Facebook handle to protect her privacy, said the first person, a friend, encouraged her to share the photo of Black’s costume as they had to delete their post due to death threats and people threatening to call ICE to report their spouse, who is Latinx. 

“I was like, I’m gonna also post this on Reddit, and that’s where, within 12 hours, it had gotten about 250,000 views,” Emily Angela said, adding that the post had over 500,000 views by noon Monday. “Posting it, I did not know what to expect, but I wasn’t expecting this.”

Within hours, Emily Angela’s posts received hundreds of comments. 

“Even setting all opinions on ICE aside, not sure how an adult could think this is a good idea,” one Reddit user said. “Unless the goal is to piss some parents off, in which case I think your judgement and temperament are not great, and you should maybe just join ICE instead of being an educator.”

“Absolutely terrible judgement,” another user said, adding that Black should be fired and replaced. “There’s no good reason for a public school principal to normalize ICE terrorizing children and families, and dress up like an ICE agent like it’s a big joke. I bet there are kids in his school who don’t think it’s funny that he’s dressing up as the people who are destroying their families.”

Many social media comments noted the ease of posing as a federal immigration officer based on the public’s many encounters across the country. 

“I’m more concerned that the costume is so convincing,” said another Reddit user. “Literally anyone can say they are ICE.”

When death threats began rolling in to Emily Angela’s direct messages, she made her Facebook post private, though she updated the public through her TikTok account. Since her posts have become viral, she doesn’t expect much privacy. 

“They made memes, putting my face on gorillas,” Emily Angela said, who is a person of color. “They’ve been sending death threats. It was getting to the point where this was affecting my mental health.”

But the outpouring of support has outweighed harassment, Emily Angela said. 

She was, however, disappointed by the superintendent’s response. Educators should be held to a high standard, she said, and a costume like that sends the wrong message.

“This man has international students,” she said. “It’s really tone-deaf. … How would they feel safe, especially if they’re a student of color, and they see that’s how their principal is dressing, or what they represent?”

Melissa Black Canty and Carrie Lancaster, Black’s sisters, released a video Monday afternoon addressing their brother’s costume, which Canty said was worn during a private family party.

“Regardless of your personal views, ICE is a federal agency just like DEA, FBI, right down to our local law enforcement,” Canty said. “Here’s some facts that are important based on the erroneous comments that we are receiving on social media. The picture circulating on social media was taken at our family home. … The picture that was taken off our family member’s Facebook post. … James did not wear that costume in public or to the middle school.”

Lancaster said her family has received several messages calling her brother and family “heinous things.” 

“Those who know our family know that we’re an example of a very diverse family made up of multiple races,” Lancaster said. “James’ contributions to this community both personally and professionally over his lifetime are well known. His acts of altruism are dealt no acknowledgement other than by those he impacts. While we’re saddened by the division that has occurred in our community, please understand that while the intention of these visceral comments are hurtful, we are a strong family that stands by our core values.”

Canty thanked everyone who has shown her brother and family support. She asked supporters to email all RSU 9 school board members and Elkington, to share the way Black has impacted people personally and to “come together as a community and support each other.”

Black did not respond to emails and calls. His office directed inquiries to Elkington’s office.

State Sen. Russell Black, a Wilton Republican who is James’ father, was also not available for comment Monday.