A bill to make Maine a sanctuary state is on Gov. Mills’ desk

By Rep. Chad Perkins, R-Dover-Foxcroft

This is Rep. Chad Perkins of Dover-Foxcroft with the Weekly Republican Address.

LD 1971, titled “An Act to Protect Workers in This State by Clarifying the Relationship of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies with Federal Immigration Authorities”, would effectively turn Maine into a sanctuary state for illegal immigrants by restricting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials.

The bill prohibits state and local law enforcement from using any personnel or resources to assist with immigration enforcement activities, including:

Asking about a person’s immigration status;

Detaining or arresting someone based on an ICE hold request;

Sharing non-public personal information like release dates;

Assisting ICE in immigration-related operations;

Performing functions of immigration authorities.

While the version passed by the Legislature is somewhat narrower than the original, the intent remains clear: to shield individuals in this country illegally — even those charged with or convicted of crimes — from federal immigration enforcement.

This increases the risk to Maine citizens and reduces officer safety.

That is why Republicans, along with law enforcement agencies across Maine, strongly opposed this bill.

But there’s an even bigger concern:

LD 1971 was written by activist lawyers to protect criminal aliens while they are in jai l— specifically by blocking ICE officials from interviewing them to assess whether they are eligible for deportation.

At the public hearing, multiple law enforcement organizations spoke in opposition, including the Maine State Police and the Maine Sheriffs’ Association, citing serious public safety concerns.

Major Lucas W. Hare of the Maine State Police testified, “The Maine State Police believe in the rule of law and due process. However, this bill allows for protections that no other crimes receive. By eliminating the ability for law enforcement to respond to immigration detainers and administrative warrants, this bill significantly reduces our ability to work with federal partners.”

Major Hare also warned that the bill could result in the loss of millions of dollars in federal grant funding, which supports the Department of Public Safety and rural patrols.

The Maine Sheriffs’ Association added, “As sheriffs, we cannot and should not be forced to pick and choose which state and federal laws to enforce. Nor should we be forced to not cooperate with our federal law enforcement partners… Standing in the way of immigration enforcement, without a constitutional basis to do so, is wrong.”

LD 1971 passed the House and Senate mostly along party lines. All Republicans opposed it, joined by just two Democrats.

It is now up to Gov. Janet Mills. She can sign it into law or veto it.

We urge her to veto this dangerous bill.

If you agree, and want to protect Maine citizens and our public safety personnel, please help spread the word. Share this message and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

This has been Rep. Chad Perkins with the Weekly Republican Address.

And… God bless Maine and its great citizens.

Rep. Perkins is currently serving his second term in the Maine House representing District 31, which includes the towns of Brownville, Dover-Foxcroft, Lake View Plantation, Medford, Milo, the Orneville Township, Southeast Piscataquis and the Atkinson Township. He serves on the 132nd Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety. He also serves on the Government Oversight Committee.

Rep. Perkins is a consultant and former law enforcement officer. He served in the United States Army for 11 years, specializing in armor, intel and aviation. He serves his community as a member of the American Legion, North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association, Gun Owners of America, American Radio Relay League, Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, Project Appleseed and Gun Owners of Maine.

He and his wife Dolly have 11 children.