The Golden Door: February 2026

Dear Community,

ILAP recently released our Policy & Advocacy Priorities for 2026.  

In 2026, ILAP will prioritize defending immigrant communities from mass enforcement, responding to systemic issues in immigration detention, defending humanitarian immigration pathways, advocating for the rights and protection of immigrant children, expanding access to immigration legal services, and supporting efforts to help people meet basic needs.  

These priorities are informed by and built on the goals, needs, and vision of our clients and immigrant communities across Maine. See the full list of priorities at ilapmaine.org/advocacy-priorities.   

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National Coverage  

National outlets continue to follow the aftermath of the ICE surge in January and how Maine’s story fits into the broader context of immigration enforcement in the United States: 

• The Boston Globe: 

  • Maine residents arrested in ICE operation transferred as far as Louisiana, Missouri 

  • Maine ICE operation leads to more than 200 arrests in five days, and some are ‘worst of worst,’ DHS says 

• Reason Magazine:  

  • DHS Said It Was Targeting the 'Worst of the Worst' in Maine. It Swept Up Asylum Seekers and Noncriminals

Local News Highlights 

Local news outlets continue to report on the status of immigration enforcement activity in Maine and the lingering impact of the ICE surge – both on the 200+ individuals who were detained, and on the fear instilled in broader communities. Many sources cite ILAP’s on-the-ground expertise to shed light on who exactly was being targeted, what happened to them after they were detained, and the work that still needs to be done.   

• Portland Press Herald:

  • Families, lawyers work to locate Maine immigrants moved out of state 

  • Maine immigration enforcement appears to have slowed since surge, but effects linger 

  • Susan Collins says enhanced ICE operation is over in Maine; immigrant advocates urge vigilance 

  • Lawyers say it is harder for Mainers arrested by ICE to get bond hearings 

• Maine Public: 

  • ICE in Maine: Latest News & Outlook 

• The Maine Monitor:

  • A pastor searched for a missing congregant. He found a car with the keys on the floor 

• Sun Journal:  

  • ICE detainees from Maine being held under ‘inhumane’ conditions in Mass. facility, attorneys say 

  • ICE said it came to Maine to target the ‘worst of the worst.’ Did it? 

• WMTW:

  • ICE arrests more than 200 people in Maine during federal enforcement surge 

Earlier this month, Central Maine also published an article about the consequences of Maine State police contacting immigration authorities — showcasing just how important it is that LD 1971 was allowed to become law.

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ILAP in the Community

As immigration enforcement intensified in January, businesses and artists across Maine chose to act. Rather than standing by, they closed their doors or donated proceeds on the day of the national strike, organized raffles, and created spaces for solidarity — showing that immigrant communities are deeply woven into Maine’s economic and cultural life. 

Here are some of the ways local businesses and individuals have stepped up in support of ILAP: 

• Portland Press Herald:

  • Some Maine businesses stay open during national strike but plan to donate proceeds

  • Maine businesses to close Friday, make donations to support immigrant community

  • Live updates, Jan. 28: Maine ICE operation continues as business groups urge Congress to rein in agency 

• Sun Journal 

  • More than 200 Maine businesses are participating in Friday’s strike. Here’s a list. 

• News Center Maine:  

  • Over 175 Portland-area businesses closed for the day in protest against ICE 

• Bangor Daily News:  

  • ICE surge sparks community involvement in Aroostook beyond protesting 

Here are some of the creative fundraisers and raffles from local artists in support of ILAP: 

• @katedotmartens hosted a raffle with the five other artists, offering an array of homemade goods and unique art pieces for anyone who made a donation to ILAP. 

• A trio of local musicians put on a salon to raise money for Maine Immigrant Refugee Services and ILAP.  

• Artist Rachel Sperry raffled off one of their works of art in support of ILAP and Presente! Maine. 

• The Cultivated Thread raffled off two handmade towels to anyone who made a donation to Project Relief, the Maine Solidarity Fund, and ILAP.  

There’s still one more day to participate in two more raffles that were featured in last month’s Golden Door, with deadlines of February 28!  

• Carolyn Snell organized a flower subscription raffle, inviting donations to support ILAP. 

• Annandale Flower Co. is raffling a five-week spring bouquet subscription, with donations benefiting ILAP. 

You can also support ILAP by attending the next installment of Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick’s Concerts for a Cause on March 7:  An Evening with Crys Matthews. 

We’re so grateful to be a part of a community so dedicated to supporting our immigrant neighbors and helping make sure Maine is a home for ALL.  

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On the Ground: Maine Solidarity Fund

Last year, Presente! Maine launched the Maine Solidarity Fund (MSF), in collaboration with a network of grassroots partners, to support immigrant and trans Mainers facing cruel and threatening policy changes from the Trump administration.  

“The fund meets urgent needs like bail, bond, legal support, healthcare costs, and emergency housing – and strengthens the organizing, rapid response, and community protection efforts required to stop this harm at its root.” 

Read about some of the ways the Solidarity Fund has supported community members across the state over the last few weeks. 

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Support ILAP's Work In This Shifting Landscape

While ICE’s enhanced operation in Maine in January has ended, the effects continue to unfold, and immigration enforcement is ongoing in our state.
 
Some individuals remain detained. Others have been released but are now navigating ongoing immigration cases, loss of income and employment, risk of eviction, and the trauma of sudden arrest and family separation. Families are working to stabilize while facing deep uncertainty, and cases continue under significant pressure. 
 
Your support allows ILAP to remain steady and prepared in this shifting landscape. A donation today helps sustain detention representation, protect due process, and ensure that individuals and families have access to trusted legal counsel when it matters most. If you’re able, we invite you to give and stand with immigrant communities across Maine. 

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For previous updates from ILAP, check out the links below:  

January 30, 2026:  January Golden Door
January 12, 2026: Community Update

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Together, we will continue to defend justice and build a future where all immigrants can thrive. Thank you.