Proponents say the bill — passed by the Legislature this week and expected to be signed by Gov. Janet Mills — clarifies an existing law and would allow sheriffs to turn away federal immigration detainees in some instances.
immigration
New data indicates most arrested in Maine ICE surge had no criminal convictions, charges
A new batch of data released by the Deportation Data Project on Monday indicates that out of 192 people arrested by immigration officials in late January, just 12 had criminal convictions.
After months away, Portland teen detained by ICE returns to the soccer field
Joel Andre was released from federal custody this week and arrived in Portland on Thursday with his mother and sister.
ICE surge cost Maine’s economy millions, report says
The Maine Center for Economic Policy warns that continued immigration enforcement could further damage an already weakened workforce.
ICE agents in Maine did not follow policy when they threatened observers, DHS lawyer says
An attorney for the Department of Homeland Security said immigration agents inappropriately told Maine residents their names would be added to a ‘domestic terrorists’ database.
Mainers split in reaction to messages between immigration agent and local police leaders
Some officials described the messages among a Homeland Security agent and 2 high-level police officials as normal, while others criticized their content and tone.
Portland, South Portland police texted with immigration agent during surge operation in Maine
Records obtained by the Press Herald reveal how local officials communicated with a federal officer, including on the surveillance of protesters, when more than 200 arrests were made in late January.
How Backyard Farms in Madison came to rely on migrant labor
Dozens of contracted migrant workers at the facility, which once promised to employ hundreds of locals, have been detained in recent immigration enforcement operations.
At least 5 from Maine are in an Arizona ICE facility where a man died this week
The detainees were all taken into custody during the weeklong operation in January.
Police responding to attempted suicide in South Paris call Border Patrol
The Paris police chief said an officer needed help with translation during a life-or-death situation. Advocates fear this will discourage immigrants from reaching out to local police.