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Bill Limiting Local Police Cooperation with ICE Becomes Law Without Gov. Mills’ Signature
The law bars Maine police from immigration arrests and detentions except in criminal cases, responding to ICE actions under the Trump administration, lawmakers said.
- On Monday, Gov. Janet Mills allowed LD 1971 to become law without her signature, announcing the decision in a Portland Press Herald op‑ed; the bill limits state, county and local law enforcement cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to criminal investigations only.
- Gov. Janet Mills said she took action after weighing ICE's recent conduct, writing, `As a former District Attorney and Attorney General and now as Governor, I carefully considered this bill` and arguing Maine officers should enforce state law, not Federal immigration law.
- Under LD 1971, local officers would no longer detain people solely for immigration reasons, bars correctional facilities from notifying ICE about detainees, and preserves cooperation in criminal investigations and task forces.
- Maine House Republicans blasted the move, saying it "shows a reckless disregard for public safety and will put Maine's public at risk," while House Speaker Ryan Fecteau supported the law, which takes effect many months later, typically 90 days after adjournment.
- Having passed largely along party lines, LD 1971 now shifts how Maine police interact with federal immigration authorities; Mills delayed action until lawmakers reconvened, while supporters and critics clash over trust and funding impacts.
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Gov. Mills OKs restrictions on local involvement in immigration enforcement • Maine Morning Star
Gov. Janet Mills gives State of the State address at the Maine State House in Augusta on Jan. 30, 2024. (Photo by Jim Neuger/Maine Morning Star)Gov. Janet Mills will allow legislation restricting local authorities from carrying out federal immigration enforcement to become law. Mills also formally repealed a 2011 executive order issued by former Republican Gov. Paul LePage that had called for enhanced cooperation between state and federal offici…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources7
Leaning Left3Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Center
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources are Center
57% Center
L 43%
C 57%
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