As demonstrations against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continue nationwide, a new Maine law limiting cooperation between state law enforcement and federal immigration authorities is set to take effect.
The measure will become law after Democratic Governor Janet Mills chose neither to veto nor delay it an action that has sparked fresh scrutiny of her progressive credentials as she campaigns for the U.S. Senate.
Passed by Maine’s Democrat-controlled legislature late last year by a single vote, the law prohibits state and local police from assisting ICE in a wide range of civil immigration cases. Although it has not yet taken effect, Mills has reportedly directed the Maine State Police to begin following its provisions, according to a Portland Press Herald report.
Mills, who is vying for the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins, has openly criticized ICE in recent months referring to the agency as “secret police” and condemning its “reckless actions” as having “no place here.”
Meanwhile, ICE has ramped up enforcement in Maine, carrying out more than 50 arrests in a single day last week. Republicans in the state have sharply criticized Mills’ rhetoric and policies, arguing they undermine law enforcement and public safety.