US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
Maine hits pause on undercover license plates for federal immigration officers
Maine Secretary of State paused new undercover license plates after a federal request amid concerns over potential misuse linked to rumored Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity.
- This past week, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows paused issuing new confidential, undercover license plates after a recent request from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
- Amid reports earlier this week, unusual federal logistics were flagged, including U.S. Border Patrol in Houlton ordering cold-weather gear and online claims of unmarked vehicles in Portland hotels.
- Ryan Guay, a supervisory deputy U.S. Marshal, said the U.S. Marshals Service was told Friday that federal agencies will not receive 'covert status' for plates, surprising officials and raising safety concerns.
- Community groups and schools responded with protests and safety measures after Bellows said, `Until we can get some assurances that those plates are going to be used for lawful purposes and not what we've seen in other states where there have been some abuses of power`,
- Later this month, Portland Public Schools will host trainings on Jan. 28 and Feb. 24 while reporters and officials seek confirmation from federal agencies with little response.
Insights by Ground AI
10 Articles
10 Articles
Amid reports of ICE activity, what we know about immigration enforcement in Maine • Maine Morning Star
A U.S. Department of Homeland Security vehicle parked outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Scarborough on Jan. 15, 2026. (By Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)Community members continue to take precautions amid sightings of federal immigration agents in Maine, though an increase in operations is unclear as the Trump administration remains mum. Multiple sightings throughout Southern Maine on Tuesday, beginning during the m…
Lewiston Sun Journal+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Maine pauses issuance of undercover license plates after request from border security
Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said Saturday that her office wants 'to be assured that Maine plates will not be used for lawless purposes.'
·Lewiston, United States
Read Full ArticleCoverage Details
Total News Sources10
Leaning Left4Leaning Right1Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 40%
C 50%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
