The Golden Door: September 2025
ILAP Applauds Representative Pingree’s Tenacious Oversight to Protect Immigrant Communities in Maine
Congressional oversight is an essential part of the U.S. system. It ensures that the executive branch and government agencies are implementing the law as intended. Oversight is especially critical in the face of the current administration’s flagrant disregard for the rights of immigrants.
ILAP applauds Representative Pingree’s recent oversight work. First, she demanded answers after the ICE arrest at an elementary school in Portland. Then she spoke up about the reports of ICE denying Maine residents access to counsel at the ICE facility in Scarborough.
In a statement regarding access to counsel at the ICE facility in Scarborough, ILAP’s Executive Director Sue Roche said:
“ILAP clients have been denied their right to have their attorneys join them at appointments at the ICE Scarborough facility multiple times over the past months. These have included check-in appointments for people who are in immigration court proceedings.
In the current environment, with the federal government flagrantly disregarding due process and attempting to indiscriminately deport as many people as they can, having your attorney by your side during any ICE appointment is beyond critical.
ILAP applauds Representative Pingree and all the elected officials across the country who are exercising their oversight rights and responsibilities, demanding accountability from the administration, and working to uphold the Constitution and rights and dignity of all people.”
Upholding Asylum Rights on the Global Stage
Backing International Law at the UN in the Face of Trump-Era Threats
ILAP joined nearly 270 other organizations in responding to the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict asylum rights globally while at the September United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York.
In the letter, civil society organizations implored United Nations Member States to take concrete steps to uphold the international treaties signed after World War II. These treaties promised to protect people fleeing persecution.
The letter makes clear:
"Should there be any denunciations, withdrawals, or attempts to reject, ‘reform,’ and/or replace such treaties with frameworks that deny people protection from persecution and human rights abuses, we call on states to express strong disagreement, reiterate support for such treaties, explain their benefits to human lives, peace, and stability, emphasize the negative impacts of actions that undermine such treaties, and urge reversal of such efforts.”
Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, also pushed back on the Trump administration’s efforts.
"Asylum is a very ancient concept. It is not something we have invented in the past 80 years.”
Immigration Law & Policy Updates
ILAP is committed to helping our community make sense of immigration news and its impact. Below is a summary of some key developments from the past few weeks, as of October 1.
PLEASE NOTE: All updates are subject to rapid change.
Immigration Announcement:
ACLU of Maine brings Trump administration to court for unlawfully detaining a Waterville man and others
What it Means:
The ACLU of Maine won a preliminary victory against the Trump administration for violating the due process rights of a man from Waterville by denying him the opportunity for a bond hearing, as required under federal law.
Following this victory, ACLU of Maine joined partners in filing a class action lawsuit on behalf of other noncitizens unlawfully detained by the Trump administration. Learn more about the ACLU of Maine’s work to protect the rights of Maine immigrants here.
Administration terminates Temporary Protected Status for Syria
The Trump administration terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Syria, affecting approximately 7,000 people.
TPS is meant to protect people already in the U.S. from return to life-threatening conditions, which experts like Human Rights Watch say clearly remain in Syria. Unless halted by the courts, Syrian TPS holders will lose protection from deportation and work permits on Nov. 21, 2025.
California Governor signs number of state-levels laws aimed at federal immigration enforcement activity
California Governor Newsom signed a number of state laws, including one that requires all law enforcement officers – including federal law enforcement – acting in California to wear identifying badges and bans wearing masks.
Whether state laws directing the conduct of federal officers will hold up in court remains to be seen, as acknowledged by Governor Newsom himself. As Newsom observed, as long as the state doesn't interfere with federal operations, federal agents don't enjoy blanket immunity from state laws. .
ILAP Public Comment: Department of Education Must Drop Attacks on Nonprofit Immigration Lawyers
ILAP joined organizations across the country in calling on the U.S. Department of Education to drop their proposal to terminate the public service loan forgiveness program (PSLF) for nonprofit workers that serve immigrant communities, as well as other vulnerable populations that the Trump administration is politically targeting.
Under PSLF, participants who pay their loans and work in the nonprofit sector for ten years will receive forgiveness on the rest of their loans. The program expands the social safety net for underserved communities. It also brings expertise to the nonprofit sector by creating opportunities for more people to do public service work.
One ILAP staff member shared:
"PSLF is one of the primary reasons that I am an attorney today... If my organization were no longer a qualifying employer, I would be devastated. It would mean that I would need to make an extremely difficult choice between jeopardizing my own financial well-being or remaining steadfast in my dedication to public interest law.”
Local News Highlights
Maine Morning Star released an article on Representative Pingree's response to reports of attorneys not being permitted to accompany their clients to routine check-in visits at ICE facilities in Maine, which featured a quote from Executive Director Sue Roche. ILAP was also featured in similar articles about the same topic:
Portland Press Herald: Chellie Pingree says ICE blocking lawyers; calls for tour of southern Maine facility
WMTW: Rep. Chellie Pingree raises concerns over legal counsel for immigrants to DHS
News Center Maine: Immigrants denied access to attorneys at Scarborough ICE facility, Rep. Pingree says
Maine Public: Chellie Pingree says ICE is denying lawyers access to Scarborough office
ILAP Staff Highlight: Op-Ed in the Portland Press Herald
In a Portland Press Herald article earlier this month, co-legal director Melissa Brennan provided valuable context about the recent arrest that took place in front of a Portland School, commenting on how the threat of deportation may make it more difficult for people to report domestic abuse.
Melissa then authored an op-ed going more deeply into the dangerous precedent set by an arrest that takes place in what is supposed to be a space dedicated to protecting and caring for its students:
"Children across Portland now worry that school drop-off could be the last time they see their parent. In classrooms, that anxiety makes it harder to focus on math, reading or writing. Outside of school, parents afraid of arrest may avoid parent-teacher conferences, after-school pickups or even enrollment. The harm is not abstract — it’s real and deeply personal."
ILAP in the Community
Whether through art, music, or gathering in solidarity, people across the state are showing up for ILAP — and we feel the love.
On September 12 and September 13, Irish Heritage Center in Portland hosted a reading of the play "It Can't Happen Here" by Sinclair Lewis. The play, helmed by USM retired theatre professor, director, actor and former state legislator, Harlan Baker, brought in over $1,000 in support of the ACLU Maine and ILAP.
On Sept. 16, the Lithgow Library and Capital Area Interfaith Social Justice Coalition hosted ILAP’s Policy Director and Capital Area New Mainers Project Executive Director for a community conversation on immigration policy, enforcement, and how we can all advocate for the rights and safety of Maine’s immigration communities.
Later in the month on September 20, UUCB Concerts for a Cause presented the award-winning Don Campbell Trio to raise money for the ILAP and Oasis Free Clinics.
Then, on September 21, the Electric Cottage Collective hosted a DIY floral design fundraiser where 80% of the proceeds went to support ILAP's work, showcasing how powerful the connection is between art and advocacy.
Progress is only possible with the support of our community members who share the belief that Maine is home for ALL. Thank you to all who are willing to speak out and support the work ILAP is doing to support and protect immigrant rights.
Shared Voices: Celebrating Sue’s 25 Years!
This past August, we celebrated a truly extraordinary milestone: Sue Roche’s 25th anniversary at ILAP, and her 12th year as our Executive Director!
Sue’s impact on ILAP, and on immigrant justice in Maine, is immeasurable. Through decades of transformation and challenge, her leadership has remained steady, principled, and deeply rooted in compassion. Under her guidance, ILAP has grown in size, strength, and vision — expanding our ability to meet the moment while staying grounded in our core values of dignity, justice, and community care.
To honor this milestone, we invited a few meaningful voices to reflect on Sue’s legacy and leadership. Their words are a testament to her unwavering commitment to immigrant communities across Maine.
Sue, thank you. Your leadership, integrity, and deep commitment to justice have shaped ILAP’s path and purpose. We’re grateful to be on this journey with you!
"I had conducted a nationwide search for someone with immigration law experience, but I took a chance on Sue — fresh out of law school — and clearly, it was well worth it. From the start, she showed compassion, intelligence, and drive. She was a relentless advocate for her clients and a trusted sounding board for me as ILAP grew in its early years.
Today, ILAP is so fortunate to have Sue at its helm, especially in this moment of rising cruelty and dehumanization in immigration policy. She is ILAP’s anchor — holding both institutional memory and bold vision. Under her leadership, the organization has more than doubled in size since I stepped away, expanding its impact, systemic advocacy, and access to legal assistance for low-income Mainers across the state.
I never imagined Sue would still be with ILAP 25 years on, but I’m so glad she is — and so proud of her work. Congratulations on this incredible milestone, Sue.”
— Beth Stickney, ILAP Founder
“What a timely moment to celebrate Sue Roche’s anniversary at ILAP. The growth of MIRC can be indirectly attributed to Sue’s unwavering commitment to immigrant rights, especially considering our organization was founded by ILAP 25 years ago.”
— Mufalo Chitam, Executive Director, Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition
“We are all so fortunate to have Sue at the helm of ILAP. Over 25 years, she has led by example — always guided by justice, empathy, and a deep respect for the dignity of every person we serve. Today, we celebrate her commitment to our mission, her steady and compassionate leadership, and the enduring impact she continues to make every single day.”
— Melissa Brennan, Co-Legal Director, ILAP
Action Alert: Make a monthly gift to ILAP and become an Advocate for Justice
As an Advocate for Justice, you make a sustained commitment to due process, access to justice, and the protection of civil rights for Maine’s immigrant communities. Your support helps ensure that more people can access the rights and protections they are entitled to — regardless of citizenship or immigration status — and contributes to a more just and inclusive future for our state.
Whether or not you are able to make a donation, thank you for being a part of the ILAP community and sharing in the belief that Maine is home for ALL.
For previous updates from ILAP, check out the links below:
September 12, 2025: Community Update
August 28, 2025: August Golden Door
