The mayors of Portland and Lewiston say they’re preparing for stepped up immigration enforcement.
In a statement Wednesday, Portland Mayor Mark Dion said the community is “anxious and fearful” in the wake of the shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent last week in Minnesota.
He went on to say there’s “no evidence of unchecked criminal activity in the city that requires a disproportionate deployment of ICE agents.”
Also on Wednesday, Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline said residents should know their rights and that Lewiston Police do not enforce federal law.
“Lewiston is a strong city and we care about our community and each other. Please check on your neighbors and stay safe,” Sheline said in a statement.
So far there’s been no word at the federal level of any surge in ICE agents to either city.
According to the Portland Press Herald, Portland City Spokesperson Jessica Grondin also said they couldn’t confirm whether or not an increased presence of ICE agents in the city is imminent.
Grondin said local police don’t cooperate with ICE and ICE does not communicate with the city.
