By a single vote, the Maine House passed a bill Tuesday to restrict local law enforcement from engaging in federal immigration enforcement. The 74–73 vote on LD 1971 followed nearly two hours of debate, and the bill now moves to the Senate for further action.
Supporters say the bill reinforces constitutional limits by ensuring local police don’t participate in civil immigration enforcement, citing concerns over the Trump administration’s alleged violations of court orders and mass deportation tactics. “This isn’t about border security anymore. It’s about cruelty,” said Rep. Adam Lee (D-Auburn).
Republicans criticized the bill as a move toward making Maine a “sanctuary state” and warned it could jeopardize federal funding. A competing proposal by Rep. Michael Soboleski (R-Phillips), which would have barred local agencies from limiting assistance to federal immigration efforts, was rejected by both chambers.
The bill clarifies that it only prohibits cooperation in immigration enforcement, not in broader federal partnerships. Meanwhile, Wells Police Department has paused its ICE agreement as lawmakers consider broader legislative bans.
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