Gov. Mills Will Allow Bill Limiting Police Cooperation With ICE

The Maine governor has announced she will allow a bill limiting police cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to become law.

Governor Janet Mills announced in a Portland Press Herald op-ed published Monday afternoon that she will allow LD 1971 to become law.

👇 KEEP READING: 10 Things You’ll Quickly Find Out When Moving to Maine 👇

The bill prevents law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities from detaining individuals for immigration purposes or notifying ICE.

After passing both chambers of the Maine Legislature in June, Mills delayed her decision on the legislation until the start of the next session.

Read More: Janet Mills Pledges Just One Senate Term if Elected

In the op-ed, Mills said the bill is ‘imperfect’ but argued that Maine cannot ignore what she called ICE’s unacceptable actions.

Adding that cooperation under the Trump administration would be 'broad and dangerous,' she also repealed a 2011 executive order from former Gov. Paul LePage on immigration enforcement and explained that she allowed LD 1971 to become law without her signature after missing the 10-day signing window once the Legislature adjourned.

Maine House Republicans have condemned the decision to allow LD 1971 to become law, arguing it limits cooperation between state and federal law enforcement.

In a statement, they said the bill puts public safety at risk by shielding criminals and weakening efforts to prevent violent crime, especially given Maine’s extensive foreign border.

Get our free mobile app

And there you have it! Governor Mills announced Monday that she will allow LD 1971 to take effect, restricting cooperation between police and ICE.

What are your thoughts on this? We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to join the conversation by messaging us on the app.

Read More: Maine Brewery Invites Senate Candidates to a Drinking Contest