Lawmakers in Augusta are considering bills to bar law enforcement officers from working with federal immigration officers or conducting immigration enforcement activities independently.

One bill prohibits state or local law enforcement agencies or officers from entering
into contracts with federal immigration enforcement authorities. The other bill prohibits a law enforcement agency from stopping, investigating, interrogating,
arresting, or detaining a person for immigration enforcement purposes.

South Portland Democratic State Representative Deqa Dhalac led arguments in favor of immigration restrictions.

“This is about ensuring that our public safety resources are being spent in ways that promote public safety for everyone,” said Dhalac, introducing the bill restricting contracts with immigration agents. “Local law enforcement and government employees engaging in civil immigration does not do that. And in fact, it harms us all.”

Most of the Monday testimony in the several hours long hearing on the bills came from advocates supporting the bill. Both measures were sponsored by Democratic lawmakers.

In opposition, Kennebec County Sheriff and chair of the Maine Sheriffs Association Legislative Policy Committee Chair Ken Mason said the sheriff’s association is unanimously opposed to both measures.

“As sheriffs, we cannot and should not be forced to pick and choose which state and federal laws to enforce,” Mason said.

The bills come as the federal government is working to expand partnership contracts with local police agencies nationwide in order to carry out the mass deportations under President Donald Trump’s administration.

Wells is the only municipality in Maine to join in the partnership contract, known as the 287(g) Program. Two other communities have pulled back after initially showing interest in the partnership.

Florida and Texas appear to have, by far, the most local law enforcement agencies participating in the 287 (g) Program.

Georgia and Florida, have passed or are considering a requirement for law enforcement to  pursue partnerships with ICE under the program.

Conversely, six states — California, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington — have laws or policies barring the contracts.