Support independent journalism, like the Bangor Daily News

To the Editor;

The Bangor Daily News and their media partners, invest money and time to research and report valuable information in our state.

In the BDN’s Nov. 22 issue, it was reported, through a story from Maine Public, that the U.S. Border Patrol in Maine arrested a record high of 725 persons in the fiscal year ending October 2025. Many arrested had valid work permits, were in lawful immigration processes with no criminal record, thus posing no threat according to the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project.

In the BDN’s Dec. 19 issue, they reported: “More than 40 workers associated with the MetroWest Workers Center in Framingham, Massachusetts, drove to Maine over the past year and were detained, nearly all of whom were roofers from Ecuador, according to the center’s director, Diego Low.”

On Feb. 9,  the BDN reported President Donald Trump’s “Operation Catch of the Day” said it arrested 206 of “the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens.” They only specifically named 10 people in public statements. The BDN and Maine Monitor were able to identify 67 people. “Fifty eight of them lacked a criminal record that could be independently verified. They held jobs as cooks, health care professionals and construction workers. Some had been living in the country for years, only to be detained without a clear reason.”

Independent journalism from the Bangor Daily News needs our support. Is anyone else sending Maine voters daily reports with journalists on the ground, especially in the Second Congressional District? Digital Maine news appearing every day in email is affordable. Please donate and subscribe.

Carole Beal

Blue Hill