Maine - ILAP applauds Governor Janet Mills’ decision to allow LD 1971 to become law, protecting Maine residents, families, and public resources from being used to advance the federal government’s mass deportation agenda.
Read MoreSue Roche, executive director of the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, hailed the Governor's decision, saying in a written statement that it "ensures that Maine’s resources aren’t being diverted to further terrorize individuals and families, rip workers out of their jobs, destroy public trust, and create chaos and fear."
Read MoreRockland, ME – The City of Rockland passed an ordinance and order on December 8 ensuring that the Rockland Police Department and other city resources are not used to assist the federal administration with its mass deportation agenda. ILAP applauds and congratulates the Rockland residents and City Council members who worked for months to put this protection in place for their community.
Lisa Parisio, ILAP’s Policy Director, issued the following statement…
Scarborough, ME – On December 8, U.S. Representative Pingree exercised her Congressional rights and responsibilities to conduct oversight at the ICE facility in Scarborough, in response to reports of Maine residents being denied access to counsel there, and other concerning issues. A copy of Representative Pingree’s letter requesting this oversight visit can be found here.
ILAP Co-Legal Director Melissa Brennan joined Representative Pingree at a press conference following the oversight visit, and shared these remarks…
Read MoreCongresswoman Chellie Pingree visited the facility on Monday, citing at least three complaints since the Trump administration began, in which individuals were prevented from having legal counsel during appointments. Pingree toured the facility alongside Melissa Brennan, a lawyer with Maine’s Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP).
"These check-ins, once considered routine, have become increasingly high-stakes under current immigration policies," said Brennan, who claimed one of her clients was forced to attend his appointment alone after she was denied entry.
Read MoreMaine Democratic Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said key questions remain unanswered after an oversight visit to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Scarborough on Monday. The visit comes amid renewed scrutiny of ICE actions under the Trump Administration.
Read MoreHere in Maine, the idea that asylum seekers should be able to work while waiting for a decision on their applications has bipartisan support at both the state and federal levels. This policy helps individuals and families find stability and security, while providing vast benefits to communities, businesses, and the U.S. economy at large.
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