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Maine Lawmakers Pass Bill to Let Jails Turn Away Some ICE Detainees

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


A bill headed to Governor Janet Mills would free county jails from having to house people for civil violations of immigration laws.

The bill passed the legislature this week mostly on party lines, with support from the Democratic majority.

It was amended to narrowly cover immigrants detained only for non-criminal administrative violations, such as overstaying a visa.

Governor Mills has indicated she will sign the bill.

The original bill introduced by Senator Rachel Talbot Ross, D – Cumberland, was criticized for being too broad.

It was opposed by the Main Municipal Association and the Department of Corrections, which stated that it “would mean that county jails would not have to accept individuals arrested for violating probation.”

Cumberland County Sheriff originally opposed the bill, but then endorsed the amended version, saying he’s not interested in accepting ICE detainees who only face administrative violations.

Republicans have criticized the bill, saying lawmakers didn’t consult ICE or other federal agencies about how the amended version would affect their operations.

It passed the Senate on Monday, 20-12, and the House on Tuesday, 75-70.

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