Chellie Pingree says ICE blocking lawyers; calls for tour of southern Maine facility

Sue Roche, executive director of the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, a nonprofit that provides legal assistance to immigrants, said attorneys in Maine have been rebuffed on “multiple occasions over the past months” when trying to join clients at their routine appointments, including clients with active immigration cases.

“In the current environment, with the federal government flagrantly disregarding due process and attempting to indiscriminately deport as many people as they can, having your attorney by your side during any ICE appointment is beyond critical,” Roche said in a written statement.

Press MentionsGuest UserSeptember 22, 2025ice detention, Immigration Policy

Rep. Chellie Pingree raises concerns over legal counsel for immigrants to DHS

Policy Director Lisa Parisio discusses President Biden's plan to severely limit access to asylum and its potential for harmful impacts on "In the current environment, with the federal government flagrantly disregarding due process and attempting to indiscriminately deport as many people as they can, having your attorney by your side during any ICE appointment is beyond critical," said ILAP Executive Director Sue Roche.

Press MentionsGuest UserSeptember 22, 2025ICE, ice detention, Immigration Policy, Chellie Pingree

Chellie Pingree says ICE is denying lawyers access to Scarborough office

In a written statement, the Portland-based Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project said its clients have been denied attorney access "multiple times" over the past several months.

Press MentionsJolene McGowanSeptember 22, 2025Legal Resources, Portland Press Herald, ice detention, ICE, Chellie Pingree

Attorneys blocked from routine ICE check-ins in Maine

The Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project confirmed to Maine Morning Star that its clients have been denied the right to have their attorneys present at appointments at the field office over the past few months, including during check-in appointments for people who are in immigration court proceedings. Arrests at such proceedings have been reported elsewhere across the country.

Press MentionsJolene McGowanSeptember 22, 2025Enforcement, ICE, Detention, Maine Legislature

The immigration arrest of a Portland father could complicate his domestic violence case

“While someone might desperately want and need the abuse to stop, the consequences of a partner being detained or deported and a family ripped apart can add additional harm and trauma to the situation,” Melissa Brennan, co-legal director of the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, said in an email, agreeing to speak only about broad concerns and not Rivera Martinez’s case.

Don Campbell Trio to raise money for the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project and Oasis Free Clinics.

UUCB Concerts for a Cause presents Maine's popular and award-winning Don Campbell Trio to raise money for the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project and Oasis Free Clinics.

Press MentionsGuest UserSeptember 11, 2025Asylum, Benefits, Civil Rights, Legal Resources, Legal Representation

Deportations in Maine

More than 50,000 migrants are being held in detention nationwide as part of the Trump administrations mass deportation goals. And the numbers are projected to rise rapidly with the new funding boost for ICE. We examine what has been happening in Maine since January in terms of arrests, detentions, and deportations. Who is being targeted by law enforcement, how many in Maine are affected, and what legal questions are being raised?

Featuring Melissa Brennan, co-legal director of ILAP, as a panelist.

"Play Reading to Benefit Maine Civil Rights and Immigrant Groups."

“It Can’t Happen Here” is considered a dystopian novel published in 1935 by American journalist and author Sinclair Lewis, set in Vermont. It follows a populist politician who quickly rises to power to become the United States first outright dictator and the courageous newspaper editor who sees the politician’s fascist policies for what they are and becomes an ardent critic. It’s compared to Adolf Hitler’s rise to power in Nazi Germany and some say mirrors the current political climate in the United States now.”

Press MentionsGuest UserAugust 28, 2025Support, Call to Action

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