News

Portland Immigrant Center Vandalized & Burglarized

Portland Immigrant Center Vandalized & Burglarized

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


The Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center is closed after being vandalized and burglarized over the weekend.

The nonprofit says it plans to reopen Thursday after major damage to its downtown offices at 24 Preble Street.

The incident caused significant damage to the center’s fourth floor, including every office and its Language Lab. As a result, the center said, its first-floor space and the lab are closed all day Tuesday and will not be open on Christmas day.

The Welcome Center says there is not a strong indication at this time that the criminal activity was motivated by it being an immigration focused organization.

They say they’re working to determine what was stolen and repair damaged items and defaced items. The center said that most of its equipment appears to have been left intact. It said the damage requires cleanup and sanitation, and they’re saddened by disruptions to their clients and the community.

The center is affiliated with the Maine Association of Nonprofits and is dedicated to strengthening the immigrant community by helping foreign language speakers learn English and support their economic integration and civic engagement.

Latest Headlines

4 hours ago in Local

Maine Governor Candidates Stress Their Priorities at Portland Chamber Forum

The forum was part of the Chamber’s "Eggs & Issues" breakfast series

19 hours ago in Local

Maine Hospice Council Closing After 35 Years

The organization indicated it was closing down due to a lack of funding.

20 hours ago in Local

Joe Manchin to Campaign with Sen. Collins in Maine Wednesday

Manchin is joining Collins in Androscoggin County

23 hours ago in Sports, Trending

Eagles are not being punished for handling of Jalen Hurts’ blood clots, AP source says

The Philadelphia Eagles are not being disciplined for how they handled quarterback Jalen Hurts' blood clots, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

23 hours ago in Local

Hannaford app and website back online after suspected cyber breach

Hannaford's website and app are back online after a week.