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Maine Legislature Passes Bill Blocking Local Immigration Enforcement

Maine Legislature Passes Bill Blocking Local Immigration Enforcement

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


A bill barring state and local police agencies from working with federal agents on immigration enforcement is headed to Governor Janet Mills after getting final passage in the state legislature.

The measure was approved late Wednesday, mostly on party lines under the Democratic majority. It passed 75-73 in the House of Representatives and 20-14 in the Senate with notable exceptions in both parties.

Two Democrats, Stephan Bunker of Farmington and Dani O’Halloran of Brewer, joined Republicans in opposing the bill in the House, while Sen. Rick Bennett, R-Oxford, joined Democrats in supporting it in the Senate. O’Halloran also broke with her party at the committee level.

The bill from Rep. Deqa Dhalac, D-South Portland, was amended last week to clarify that police cooperation with federal agents would be allowed for non immigration activities, such as drug task forces.

It comes after the Trump administration has ramped up efforts to detain and deport undocumented immigrants in Maine and other states.

It also follows protests in Los Angeles and across the country after President Trump ordered National Guard troops and Marines to protect ICE agents who conducted immigration raids at workplaces.

The Wells Police Department dropped its partnership with the federal government after backlash from the local community.

Governor Mills will have 10 days to sign or veto the bill.

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