Sen. Susan Collins’ support of two measures could give President Trump greater influence over the election process.

Earlier this month, Collins voted for legislation providing roughly $70 billion in additional funding for ICE and the Border Patrol. Democrats opposed the bill because it did not require ICE agents to remove face coverings, wear body cameras or visible identification or provide for independent investigations of agent misconduct. Given Portland’s experience with anonymous, masked federal agents arresting people and threatening protesters, Collins’ vote seems remarkably out of touch.

Sen. Collins has also expressed support for the SAVE America Act, a bill that critics argue would make voting more difficult for many Americans. It would also expand the federal government’s role in election administration, a responsibility constitutionally exercised by the states. Some of its requirements resemble voter ID and absentee-voting restrictions that Maine voters overwhelmingly rejected in a 2025 referendum.

Each proposal raises concerns on its own. Together, they could have serious implications for future elections. Trump has repeatedly shown a willingness to exploit legal gray areas and use emergency declarations to expand executive power.

At the same time, the president has turned ICE and the Border Patrol into his personal army. These agencies have gained experience conducting operations in Democrat-led cities and will now have expanded funding, broader authority and limited accountability. That combination creates the potential for intimidation and harassment of voters in targeted districts.

This could happen in Portland or Lewiston. If it does, Sen. Collins will share responsibility for making it possible.

Gary Massanek
Topsham