Mayors of two Maine cities, Gov. Mills warn of possible incoming ICE activity
Mayors of two Maine cities, Gov. Mills warn of possible incoming ICE activity ===
Gov. Janet Mills addressed Mainers Wednesday evening about possible ICE operations in Maine, saying she is working with municipalities to prepare.
===
To stream NCM on your phone, you need the NCM app.
Download the NCM app
More Videos
Next up in 5
Example video title will go here for this video
Next up in 5
Example video title will go here for this video
Author: NEWS CENTER Maine Staff
Published: 4:52 PM EST January 14, 2026
Updated: 6:36 PM EST January 14, 2026
PORTLAND, Maine — The mayors of Lewiston and Portland, along with Gov. Janet Mills, released statements Wednesday warning U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents could move into the communities soon.
Neither cities nor Mills have confirmed where they are hearing about the possible ICE activity.
Mills addressed the possibility of federal law enforcement operations in Maine in a video statement Wednesday evening.
She said her administration has tried unsuccessfully to confirm whether any operations are planned, but is coordinating with municipalities, including Portland and Lewiston, along with law enforcement, to prepare.
"I have directed the Maine State Police to work closely with local law enforcement, as necessary, to provide whatever support is needed in advance of and during any potential federal operations,” Mills said. “If they come here, I want any federal agents – and the President of the United States – to know what this state stands for. We stand for the rule of law. We oppose violence. We stand for peaceful protest. We stand for compassion, for integrity and justice."
Mills urged anyone considering protesting to do so peacefully.
"For those of you who may consider protesting, I fully support your right to do so, and I urge you to do so peacefully – to meet any hostility with reserve and resolve," Mills said. "Know this: Maine will not be intimidated, and we will not betray the values that make us who we are."
Watch Mills' address below.
===
To stream NCM on your phone, you need the NCM app.
Download the NCM app
More Videos
Next up in 5
Example video title will go here for this video
Next up in 5
Example video title will go here for this video
RELATED: Maine’s Somali community reacts after Trump administration ends protected status program
Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline and Portland Mayor Mark Dion also released statements Wednesday about the possibility of ICE agents coming to Maine.
From Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline:
It’s my understanding that there will be ICE enforcement in Lewiston soon. I urge residents and businesses to know their rights and have a plan of action if ICE stops them in the street, visits their home, or visits their business. As a reminder, Lewiston Police do not enforce federal law.
I understand that this is an unsettling time for many of our residents. Lewiston is a strong city and we care about our community and each other. Please check on your neighbors and stay safe.
From Portland Mayor Mark Dion:
Our community is anxious and fearful regarding the understanding that ICE is planning to send agents to Portland and Lewiston next week. We are a welcoming city. There is no evidence of unchecked criminal activity in our community requiring a disproportionate presence of federal agents. In that view, Portland rejects the need for the deployment of ICE agents into our neighborhoods. While we respect the law, we challenge the need for a paramilitary approach to the enforcement of federal statutes. The consequence of law enforcement should not be chaos and violence, which only results in making Portland less safe.
The City Council and I stand, not apart, but with our lawfully admitted immigrant and refugee communities. I urge our residents to look out for one another. Know your rights and have a plan of action if ICE stops you on the street, visits your home, or arrives at your business or place of employment. As a reminder, Portland Police does not cooperate with ICE and they do not participate in enforcing federal immigration law. If you decide to protest or demonstrate, keep your efforts peaceful and consistent with the expectations for lawful behavior that we all share.
NEWS CENTER Maine is still working to independently confirm the mayors’ and the governor’s statements regarding potential federal operations in Maine.
Don’t miss these NEWS CENTER Maine stories
For more local stories continue with us on our NEWS CENTER Maine+ streaming app.
Close Ad
Source: News Center Maine
Locations: Portland, Lewiston
Region: Central