Overview
- Mayors of Portland and Lewiston warned of expected ICE enforcement as soon as next week and urged residents to know their rights, noting local police do not enforce federal immigration law.
- Gov. Janet Mills said the state is preparing for potential federal actions and directed Maine State Police to coordinate with municipalities, warning that aggressive tactics are not welcome.
- Department of Homeland Security official Tricia McLaughlin declined to confirm any plan, saying the agency does not discuss future or potential operations.
- U.S. Sen. Susan Collins questioned the need for a large influx of agents in Maine while supporting the removal of people with criminal charges.
- Community groups described tense, quiet streets and precautionary planning in Lewiston and Portland, with concerns heightened by recent ICE activity in Minnesota that included a fatal shooting.