Gov. Mills allows LD 1971 to become law, calling it “imperfect” but necessary amid ongoing immigration debates.

Sue Roche with the Maine Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project said the law helps ensure that local police resources aren’t being used to carry out federal immigration enforcement.

Press MentionsJolene McGowanDecember 17, 2025Immigration Policy, ice detention, Racial Justice

Gov. Mills to limit local law enforcement's contact with ICE and CBP

"We are really just thrilled about this," said Sue Roche, the executive director of the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project.

Roche said this will ensure that Maine's resources are being used properly.

"It instructs Maine's law enforcement to focus on the important role of protecting public safety, and not to divert local resources to assist the federal administration in reaching its immigration enforcement quotas," she said.

Press MentionsGuest UserDecember 16, 2025ICE, ice detention, Immigration Policy, Chellie Pingree

ILAP Applauds Governor Mills On Decision To Let Bill To Protect Maine Residents and Resources from the Federal Administration’s Mass Deportation Agenda Become Law

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.

Advocacy in Action, ILAP News, Press ReleaseMarjorie HanklaDecember 15, 2025Advocacy

Gov. Mills will let bill to limit police cooperation with federal immigration agents to become law

Sue 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."

Press MentionsJolene McGowanDecember 15, 2025Legal Resources, Portland Press Herald, ice detention, ICE, Chellie Pingree

ILAP Applauds Rockland Residents and City Council for Passing Ordinance to Ensure City Resources Are Not Used for Federal Administration's Mass Deportation Agenda

Rockland, 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…

Advocacy in Action, ILAP News, Press ReleaseVonnie TullDecember 9, 2025Advocacy

ILAP Applauds Representative Pingree for Conducting Crucial Oversight of ICE Facility in Scarborough

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…

Advocacy in Action, Press Release, ILAP NewsVonnie TullDecember 9, 2025Advocacy

Concerns raised over denial of legal access at Scarborough ICE facility

Congresswoman 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.

Press MentionsJolene McGowanDecember 8, 2025Immigration Policy, ice detention, Racial Justice

After visit to Scarborough ICE office, Rep. Pingree says attorney access concerns remain

Maine 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.

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