Lisa Parisio, a policy director at the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project in Portland, said, “We have tracked 17 minor traffic stops that have happened since March where more than 40 people have been handed over by local law enforcement to immigration officers.” This includes people with valid work permits and no criminal history, she said.

Judge restores legal protections for Haitians, says Trump administration overstepped authority

Maine immigration advocates warned that hundreds of people living in Maine to escape wars, gang violence and natural disasters would have faced deportation within weeks had the administration terminated their legal protections.

Press MentionsGuest UserJuly 24, 2025Support, Call to Action

Preble Street celebrates 50 years of compassion in action

Guests included volunteers, staff, board members, legislators and partner organizations such as Equality Community Center, Greater Portland Health, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project and Maine Needs. Elements of the event resembled a rally, with the Ideal Maine Social Aid & Sanctuary Band playing marching tunes and hundreds of people chanting “Justice for All.

Press MentionsGuest UserJuly 10, 2025Support, Call to Action

While ICE arrests in Maine double, governor delays deciding on limits for local police cooperation

The governor postponed her decision on a bill restricting local authorities from carrying out federal immigration enforcement until next year. Meanwhile, daily U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrest rates have doubled in Maine since President Donald Trump took office, new data show.

Press MentionsContact@ ILAP MaineJuly 9, 2025Enforcement, ICE, Detention, Maine Legislature

Read the full article here: ICE arrests in Maine are up 50% since Trump took office, according to new data

ICE has arrested about 100 people in Maine since Trump took office, according to statistics released by the Deportation Data Project that shine new light on the agency's operations. That's a roughly 50% increase in the average daily arrest rate, compared to 2024.

My complicated love for the American flag

The first time I saw the American flag, I was nine years old. My family and I were at the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, preparing to return to Afghanistan after years of fleeing the Taliban and living in exile.

Press MentionsContact@ ILAP MaineJuly 4, 2025Enforcement, ICE, Detention, Maine Legislature

Read the full article here:Hundreds of Haitian immigrants in Maine could lose legal protections under Trump administration rule:

President Trump's efforts to terminate legal protections for Haitians in the U.S. could impact hundreds of people in Maine, according to immigrant rights groups.

ILAP is also among five community organizations to receive grants from Bates College's Harward Center for Community Partnerships to support work with immigrant communities

This year, the Harward Center awarded grants of $16,322.50 to five community organizations that support refugees and asylum seekers: Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, Asylum Seekers Resettlement Program, St. Mary’s Nutrition Center, and Trinity Jubilee Center.

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