Maine News Saturday

New Republic -  ICE agents in Maine arrested a Black law enforcement officer, even after he repeatedly told them he was a legal immigrant. Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce confirmed to reporters Thursday that a viral cell phone video of a man being detained by ICE agents in a Portland neighborhood Wednesday was a corrections officer recruit from the county. In the video, the man can be heard shouting “What’s wrong? I’m just coming from work. What’s wrong, guys? I don’t understand this. I don’t have any violations.”

Rep Melanie Sachs - This week, there has been an increase in federal immigration authorities like ICE conducting operations in Maine. I know that this has elicited fear, anxiety and anger for many in our community, and I share a deep concern about the safety of all our residents.

 

ICE’s presence here in Maine, which they are calling “Operation Catch of the Day,” is already causing widespread harm. Like we have seen in Minnesota and states across the country, ICE is now ignoring due process and disregarding the constitutionally protected rights of Maine residents.

 

Masked federal agents are tearing apart Maine families and communities targeting immigrants – most with no criminal records. As a result, members of immigrant communities are not going to work, not going to school, and not going to doctor's appointments for fear of being unlawfully detained and disappeared. It is both infuriating and heartbreaking.

 

Unfortunately, the Maine Legislature does not have the legal authority to block ICE from operating in our state. However, Maine will not be intimidated by their extreme tactics, and we will continue to do everything in our power to protect due process and stand for the rule of law.

 

This includes considering legislation this session, LD 2106, which would require federal law enforcement to obtain judicial warrants signed by a judge in order to conduct immigration enforcement in places like public schools, public health facilities, public libraries and daycares. It would also protect due process and strengthen protections against unlawful search and seizure. I will keep you updated on this bill as it moves through the legislative process.

 

In these difficult times, one thing we can all do is make sure our friends and neighbors know their rights. I encourage you to review these resources from the ACLU of Maine and the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project. You can also call 207-544-9989 to report verified ICE activity.


Press Herald - While the temperature dropped, emotions remained high as hundreds of protesters took to Monument Square on Friday night after a week in which U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said they detained over 100 people in Maine. “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here,” protesters chanted as a symphony of car horns blared on Congress Street.

Press Herald - The Rockland woman who captured the world’s imagination as Maine’s lobstering centenarian died Wednesday, having become a beloved symbol of active aging and Maine’s maritime grit after fishing until she was 102. “Virginia Oliver leaves behind a remarkable legacy of tireless passion for fishing that will serve as an inspiration to generations of Maine lobster harvesters,” Maine’s Department of Marine Resources commissioner said.