The Golden Door: October 2025
ILAP Applauds Wells Community Advocates for Securing End of 287(g) ICE Agreement
In October, Wells community advocates secured a monumental victory, forcing the end of the 287(g) agreement that their Police Department signed with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last April.
Under 287(g) agreements, local law enforcement officers are deputized by ICE to perform certain functions of federal immigration officers. These functions are outside the scope of state and local law enforcement’s typical role and divert community resources to do civil federal immigration enforcement.
In the current environment, with immigrants being targeted so indiscriminately, the risks and damage of having one of these programs in place is heightened.
ILAP’s policy director Lisa Parisio said:
“It’s critical to keep in mind that the rationale for 287(g) agreements, as well as similar forms of state and local law enforcement activity, is based on patently false narratives that there is some kind of link between being an immigrant and criminality and public safety. No such link exists. In securing the end of the 287(g) agreement in Wells, community members not only took steps to protect all members of their community, they sent a clear message rejecting anti-immigrant fear mongering and dehumanization. That message will be heard far beyond Wells — it stretches across Maine and the whole country.”
Action Alert: LD 1971
Take action for Maine’s immigrant communities, workforce, public safety, and future!
Last spring, the Maine legislature passed LD 1971, a critically needed bill which would ensure that Maine’s state and local law enforcement resources aren’t being diverted to assist the federal administration in its mass deportation agenda.
The story below is only one example of how the collaboration of state and local law enforcement with immigration officers can tear apart families and threaten peoples' livelihoods.
Robbie lives with his wife and two young kids in Waldo County. He works multiple jobs to support his family. One night he received an urgent call from his nephew who had been pulled over by a sheriff for alleged speeding. When Robbie showed up to help his nephew by picking up his car, the sheriff needlessly inquired into Robbie’s immigration status and then handed him over to immigration officials.
In addition to having no criminal record, Robbie had a valid work permit and pending immigration status, yet he was detained and held in a detention center for months. While the ILAP team was able to secure his release, he and his family remain at risk and live with the ongoing trauma and fear. So many others never have the opportunity to connect with a lawyer who will fight for them.
Client name has been changed to protect their identity.
Unfortunately, LD 1971 is currently sitting on Governor Mills’ desk. When the next half of the Maine legislative session starts in January, Governor Mills has 3 days to either veto this bill or let it become law.
Between now and then, ILAP’s most urgent call to action is for everyone in our community to share with Governor Mills why it is important that Maine’s public safety resources not be spent on mass deportation.
If you've already submitted your message, thank you! You can send Governor Mills another message if there is anything new you’d like to say about why this bill matters to you.
Local News Highlights
ILAP continues to be an essential resource to local news, shedding light on the dangers of state and local law enforcement's cooperation with immigration officers.
On October 23, an article from the Maine Morning Star reported on the launch of a statewide ICE watch hotline. The article cited ILAP’s data, which shows that more than 50 Maine residents and workers have been turned over to immigration officers after minor traffic stops— based on suspected immigration status alone. The article also includes a statement from ILAP:
“What is known shows a concerning and broad pattern of Maine law enforcement agencies across the state stepping outside of their roles and voluntarily diverting Maine’s resources to assist the federal administration with indiscriminate immigration enforcement, threatening the rights and safety of some of Maine’s most vulnerable residents."
On October 27, thePortland Press Herald also published an articleabout the hotline, providing more context about the challenges advocates face due to theabsence of clear, verifiable information on detainees. The article references a comment shared by ILAP policy director Lisa Parisio, expanding on the impact of this lack of transparency:
"Not only is there no centralized tracking system for ICE arrests, Parisio said, but fear among immigrants and ICE’s practice of arresting people and sending them out of state has also made getting information harder."
ILAP was featured in aMaine Public article also published on October 27 describing howpublic trust is being destroyedthrough the federal administration’s indiscriminate enforcement agenda — aided by Maine’s state and local law enforcement. In the article, Lisa Parisio shared the story of a client who had been the victim of violent human trafficking:
"Parisio said the man was adamant about cooperating with law enforcement.
'He just repeatedly told his attorney that he wanted to do something because he wanted to make sure his abusers weren't able to hurt anyone else,' she said.
Then came the Trump administration's vast immigration crackdown.
This young man no longer feels safe to share that information,' Parisio said. 'He has stopped talking to law enforcement.'"
ILAP in the Community
On October 22, ILAP policy director Lisa Parisio served as a panelist in a discussion hosted by Wells Democracy in Action at the Wells Public Library. Lisa also spoke at the Mid-coast Maine Immigrant Solidarity Education and Action Forum on October 25, providing valuable insight into how we can best support our immigrant neighbors.
ILAP is honored to be the recipient of some more community fundraising efforts this month. It's always inspiring to see the creative ways our Mainers are coming together to support ILAP's work — and we are so grateful to know so many of you are standing with us as we fight for immigrant justice.
Earlier this month, Defending Democracy, a group of concerned citizens in Peaks Island, took advantage of the last few warm, sunny days of fall by hosting a third homemade ice cream sandwich fundraiser, raising over $1000 for ILAP.
On October 18, New Hampshire-based Soggy Po Boys brought the musical traditions of New Orleans to the Concerts for a Cause stage at Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick (UUCB). The series will continue with a performance by renowned singer-songwriter Fred Small on November 8 and will then resume in January of 2026.
We're excited to share that ILAP was chosen as the recipient of the Maine Roller Derby's annual Benefit Bonanza on November 22. This interactive fundraising event will give you plenty of ways to make your contribution count — not only by supporting ILAP’s vital work, but by influencing the game itself. Your donation can add points to a team, change the rules, spark a skater dance party, and more!
Whether you're participating in action alerts, attending a fundraising event, or just staying informed on the latest immigration news and policy updates, thank you for being a part of the movement for immigrant justice.
Shared Voices: From the People at the Heart of ILAP
At ILAP, we’re proud to be a team made stronger by the diversity of the lived experiences, languages, and identities that each staff member brings to this work — including many who are immigrants themselves.
This month, we’re honored to share reflections from two ILAP staff members. Their words speak to the power of community, the urgency of this moment, and the belief that sharing truth can move us toward justice.
“As an immigrant living in Maine, this has been a difficult season. Each day seems to bring a new law or proposal that makes people like me feel more uncertain about our place here — about our rights, our safety, and our belonging. It’s hard not to feel the weight of that.
But even in these moments, I hold on to something stronger than fear: the belief that our voices still matter. That sharing our experiences can remind others that behind every policy or debate, there are real people — parents, workers, neighbors — who simply want the chance to live with dignity and hope.
Working here has reminded me that community can exist even in the hardest times. When colleagues listen, when someone checks in, when an organization like ILAP creates spaces on the Golden Door newsletter for our stories and experiences, it means a lot. It helps me feel seen and valued not just as an employee, but as a person who belongs.
I hope by speaking up, I can help others — immigrants or not — see that resilience grows when we choose empathy over silence. My experience is just one among many, but together, our shared voices can make something powerful: understanding, connection, and maybe even change.” — A.
“Before working at ILAP, I didn’t know that organizations existed to support immigrants — or that communities actively fought for immigrant rights. This has been eye-opening and deeply moving. It gives me hope in humanity!
We extend our heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support of the immigrant community. Your compassion and commitment to this cause uplift lives and inspire hope. Your generosity is not just appreciated — it’s invaluable. Thank you for standing with us!” — M.
We thank the staff members who share their voices with courage and heart. It’s our honor to lift them up. We know there are many more stories to tell. If you feel moved to share your own reflection about this work, what it means, or what it’s taught you — we’d love to hear from you.
The Season of Giving
As the year comes to a close, many of us reflect on the impact we want to have. Monthly giving is one of the most powerful ways to support ILAP’s mission. Your ongoing support keeps us steady, and ready for whatever comes next.
For the cost of one coffee a month, you can help defend due process and protect immigrant families. Become a monthly donor to ILAP — and join the movement for justice in Maine!
For previous updates from ILAP, check out the links below:
October 20, 2025: Community Update
October 1, 2025: September Golden Door
