ILAP Community Update: March 13, 2026

ILAP is proud and grateful to report to you that 19 of the people served in our emergency legal programming during ICE’s operation in January are now home, though the effects on them, their lives, and families, will remain.

ILAP News, Org Update, Advocacy in Action, Community UpdateJolene McGowanMarch 13, 2026Maine Home for All, Community Partners, Call to Action, Due Process, Civil Rights, Deportation, Enforcement, ICE, Mental Health, Budget, Hiring, Know Your Rights

ICE in Maine: After the Surge

While the intense surge of immigration enforcement ended in late January, ICE activity continues in Maine. We find out about recent arrests, what has happened to those who were detained earlier, and whether immigrant communities are still living in fear. We’ll also learn about policy and legal action to curtail enforcement in Maine.

Press MentionsJolene McGowanMarch 12, 2026Legal Resources, Portland Press Herald, ice detention, ICE, Chellie Pingree

The Golden Door: February 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.

The Golden Door, ILAP NewsContact@ ILAP MaineFebruary 27, 2026Maine Legislature, Civil Legal Aid, Enforcement, ICE, Advocacy, Youth, SIJS, Testimony, Supreme Court, TPS, Budget, Work Permit, Event, Habeas Corpus, Labor Rights, Deportation, LGBTQ+, Hiring

ILAP Community Update: February 18, 2026

Thank you for all the ways you have cared for and supported Maine’s immigrant communities, our team, and each other.

ILAP News, Org Update, Advocacy in Action, Community UpdateJolene McGowanFebruary 18, 2026Maine Home for All, Community Partners, Call to Action, Due Process, Civil Rights, Deportation, Enforcement, ICE, Mental Health, Budget, Hiring, Know Your Rights

ICE in Maine: Latest News & Outlook

We find out about the status of the Immigration & Customs Enforcement presence in Maine. What has changed since Senator Susan Collins announced that the increased ICE operations were stopping? More than 200 people were detained during the surge of arrests. Where are they now? What are lawmakers doing? And how are communities faring?

Press MentionsJolene McGowanFebruary 2, 2026Legal Resources, Portland Press Herald, ice detention, ICE, Chellie Pingree

The Golden Door: January 2026

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.

The Golden Door, ILAP NewsContact@ ILAP MaineJanuary 30, 2026Maine Legislature, Civil Legal Aid, Enforcement, ICE, Advocacy, Youth, SIJS, Testimony, Supreme Court, TPS, Budget, Work Permit, Event, Habeas Corpus, Labor Rights, Deportation, LGBTQ+, Hiring

Some Maine law enforcement, elected officials, and lawyers dispute ICE's claim it's targeting criminals

Just before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Emily Lambdin was at work at Austin Street Brewery in Portland's Bayside neighborhood, when a commotion across the street caught her eye.

She said four unmarked vehicles had surrounded a car across the street, and about half a dozen officers wearing tactical vests and masks were wrestling a man out of the car. Lambdin began filming.

Press MentionsJolene McGowanJanuary 22, 2026Legal Resources, Portland Press Herald, ice detention, ICE, Chellie Pingree