The Golden Door: January 2026
Dear Community,
ILAP remains devastated at the news of the killing of Alex Jeffrey Pretti by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis. Our hearts are with Alex’s loved ones and the city of Minneapolis. We condemn the federal government’s brutal occupation of Minneapolis and send unwavering solidarity to the city’s immigrant communities and allies.
News of Alex’s murder came amid ICE’s large-scale operation here in Maine, in which we are seeing mostly people in lawful immigration processes with no criminal records being arrested. Many have been racially profiled and abducted from their cars off the street, and some have been targeted at home.
ILAP is leading a coordinated emergency legal response, along with the ACLU of Maine, Refugee and Human Rights Clinic at Maine School of Law, and The Habeas Project of Massachusetts, to file emergency habeas petitions and bond motions to try to secure the freedom of Maine residents swept up in the ICE operation. ILAP has responded to more than 70 requests for help.
In the last few days, ILAP has seen a drop in new requests for emergency legal help for people arrested by ICE in Maine. We hope that ICE’s enhanced operation in our state has ended as announced by Senator Collins, but we caution people that an end to the operation does not mean the end of all ICE or Border Patrol enforcement in our state now or going forward.
People should continue to reach out to ILAP immediately if someone is arrested by ICE. And we should all continue to learn our rights, and take all steps to prepare and protect ourselves, our families, and our communities.
ILAP is deeply grateful and proud to be part of the larger community which has come together so powerfully against the administration’s absolute chaos and cruelty over the past week. We call for the end of ICE’s terror in Maine, Minneapolis and beyond, and for Congress to refuse to fund more of this needless, abject cruelty and to take all other steps to protect and uphold the rights, safety, and shared humanity of all people in the United States.
In solidarity,
ILAP
National & International Coverage
In recent weeks, the ICE operation in Maine has drawn national and international attention, signaling the significance of what is unfolding locally and its broader implications. Pulling information from ILAP's January 26 press release and other interviews, coverage has focused on the scope of enforcement actions, their impact on families and children, and the legal and ethical questions raised by rapid detentions and transfers.
The New York Times:
Maine’s Immigrant Students Stay Home as ICE Operation Ramps Up — When a class in Portland went out for recess on Thursday, their teacher recalled, some of the 6-year-old students anxiously asked, “What about the ICE people?”
Collins Took Credit for ICE Leaving Maine. Her Democratic Opponents Pounced — Political maneuvering by the Democrats hoping to unseat Senator Susan Collins shifted into high gear with the news that ICE had ended its surge there
The Boston Globe: ‘I want my mom’: Kindergartener left without her mother as ICE detains parents in Maine
The Guardian:
ICE ends surge in Maine as border czar pledges to keep operation in Minnesota — Tom Homan acknowledges immigration enforcement needs ‘certain improvements’, without offering any details
ICE arrests 100 people three days into Maine immigration crackdown, DHS says — Organizers say ICE agents have been targeting African nationals amid surge focused in Portland and Lewiston
Families in Maine scramble to halt ICE’s transfer of detainees out of state — Officials are quickly moving people they’ve apprehended out of state, making it difficult for loved ones to reach them
Local News Highlights
Local and regional outlets have provided sustained, detailed reporting on how immigration enforcement is affecting Maine communities in real time. This coverage has closely followed developments on the ground, frequently referencing ILAP’s press statements and updates to help explain what is happening and what it means for communities.
Maine Morning Star:
Sen. Collins says Homeland Security ended enhanced ICE operation in Maine
‘ A dragnet approach,’ lawful residents detained in initial days of ICE operation in Maine — ‘The book and the movie do not line up. We’re being told one story, which is totally different than what’s occurring,’ Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce
Feds pull immigrants held in Cumberland County Jail after sheriff rebukes ICE
Maine Public:
WMTW: Somali community in Maine raises concerns over end of temporary protected status
Press Herald:
Susan Collins says enhanced ICE operation is over in Maine; immigrant advocates urge vigilance
Live updates, Jan 29: Susan Collins says ICE operation in Maine is over, state leaders react with caution
Live updates, Jan 28: ICE operation continues in Maine; city leaders worry about wave of evictions — Federal officials have claimed 200 arrests since last week and the impacts have rippled out to businesses and schools. How long Maine will see increased ICE presence remains unknown
Lawyers say it is harder for Mainers arrested by ICE to get bond hearings — A Minnesota judge recently ordered that ICE’s acting chief appear in court to explain why hundreds of detainees there are being held without bond hearings
Live updates, Jan. 22: ICE says it has arrested at least 100 people in Maine this week — ICE says it has arrested at least 100 people in Maine this week. Federal agents say they are targeting the ‘worst of the worst’ criminals, but some local officials are questioning their aggressive tactics and noting that several detainees appear to have no criminal record
Lawyers rally in Maine to help people detained by ICE amid rising deportation actions — Volunteers file rapid legal petitions to free detainees they believe were unlawfully held as ICE relocates individuals from local jails
Maine Beacon: ICE is officially surging in Maine. Here’s what you can do
ILAP in the Community
This is a heavy moment. In the midst of the ICE operation in Maine, community members and local businesses have chosen to respond with care, generosity, and action — showing up for immigrant neighbors when it matters most. Here are just some of the ways people have shown up in recent weeks:
Yoga Nidra & Sound Bath for Social Change is donating 100% of its January profits to ILAP in response to increased immigration enforcement.
Portland Yoga Collective matched $1,000 of community donations to ILAP.
The Merchant Company donated all record sales from last week to support ILAP.
Hold & Hand is donating 10% of proceeds from an upcoming textile batch to ILAP.
Casablanca Comics is donating 100% of proceeds from a special comics sale to support ILAP.
Sissle & Daughters Cheesemongers is donating $1 from every sandwich to support ILAP’s legal work.
Local baker Claire hosted a bake sale in support of ILAP and the Maine Solidarity Fund, which sold out quickly.
Spark Cycling is donating $5 for each spot filled in class between Monday, January 26 through Sunday, February 1.
As part of its Concerts for a Cause series, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick hosted a bluegrass show featuring Pejepscot Station to raise funds for ILAP.
Last weekend, @elementsbookscoffeebeer donated 10% of sales to ILAP.
ILAP was featured in the MaineBiz Giving Guide, highlighting our work alongside other organizations advancing equity across the state.
Many businesses and artists are also hosting raffles to encourage donations to ILAP and other organizations:
Artist @jenny___mcgee is raffling off a painting, with proceeds going to ILAP (Deadline: January 30).
Local stylist, @tashadoeshair, organized a donation-based raffle benefiting ILAP and related community support efforts (Deadline: January 31).
Dancing Harvest Farm is organizing a raffle for a summer CSA share, with donations supporting ILAP (Deadline: February 20).
Carolyn Snell organized a flower subscription raffle, inviting donations to support ILAP (Deadline: February 28).
Annandale Flower Co. is raffling a five-week spring bouquet subscription, with donations benefiting ILAP (Deadline: February 28).
You can also check out some of the upcoming events here:
Catch local bands Osmia, Beers Brosnan, and Lolabelle tonight at 9 p.m. in Brunswick. The bands have each committed to donate proceeds from ticket sales to ILAP, as well as some merch sales.
Join the donation-based breathwork circle hosted by @ginnygillbreath on Wednesday, February 4. All donations will be donated to ILAP.
Enjoy an evening with Jud Caswell and Lisa Redfern at the next installment of the Concert for a Cause series on February 7.
On February 7, Oyeh Pame will be hosting a block-printing workshop for beginners. After the workshop, participants will be invited to print a resistance message, with the proceeds donated to ILAP.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has chosen to respond with creativity, generosity, and solidarity. These actions strengthen the broader network of care that makes this work possible.
On the Ground: ACLU of Maine and the Refugee and Human Rights Clinic
In this moment, close collaboration matters. ILAP is working in active partnership with ACLU of Maine and the Refugee and Human Rights Clinic to ensure a coordinated, rapid response as immigration enforcement conditions evolve across Maine.
Through close coordination and shared planning, ILAP, the ACLU of Maine, and the Refugee and Human Rights Clinic at Maine Law developed and shared a Preparing for ICE resource to help communities navigate this moment. The guide provides updated Know Your Rights information, practical steps for preparing for direct interactions with ICE, and guidance for people who witness enforcement activity.
Shared Voices: From the People at the Heart of ILAP
In recent weeks, so many of you chose to support ILAP, and many of you included notes with your gifts. We are still reading them. Truly. Your messages of encouragement and care have meant more to us than you may realize.
When the work feels heavy, knowing you stand with us — believing in dignity, justice, and the humanity of immigrant communities — gives us strength. It reminds us that this work is not carried alone, but together. Here are some of the messages you shared with us:
I want a world where everyone has a safe place to live. — KD
I appreciate your work on the front lines trying to keep families together and ending unjust and illegal detentions. Donating to you makes me feel more empowered in this horrible moment in our history when there are few options in how to respond. — CK
Thank you for protecting our communities and neighbors. — SRG
Thank you for giving us a channel to put our disgust and fear into action. I’ve never seen such violence, callousness or a lack of humanity in my community. — EB
Because of you, ILAP enters this moment supported by a community that sees what’s at stake and chooses to show up with compassion and solidarity. Your commitment to dignity and justice carries this work forward.
Responding to Detention in Maine
Across Maine, increased immigration enforcement is creating fear and uncertainty for individuals, families, and communities. ILAP is seeing the immediate impact of detention every day — people with pending legal cases taken into custody and families separated with little notice. Our legal team is responding in real time, providing detained representation, protecting due process, and working to prevent unjust deportations.
Your donation helps ILAP meet this moment. Giving today sustains intensive detention work, ensures access to legal counsel, and supports individuals and families facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. If you’re able, we invite you to donate now and support this critical work.
One more way to support the work
Our ILAP merch store is one small way to show support and stay connected to this work. Every purchase helps sustain our legal advocacy while spreading a message of dignity and belonging.
For previous updates from ILAP, check out the links below:
December 22, 2025: December Golden Door
September 12, 2025: Community Update
August 28, 2025: August Golden Door