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Gov. Mills to allow law limiting police cooperation with ICE to become law

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio, Associated Press


Gov. Janet Mills is allowing a bill to become law that will limit the ability of state and local police to work with immigration agents.

In an op-ed in the Portland Press Herald on Monday, Gov. Mills said President Trump has weaponized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in his second term.

The governor did not sign the bill after it was passed by lawmakers over the summer over concerns that the language was too broad and vague.

In her op-ed, Gov. Mills said the bill is imperfect, but the times call for it.

The bill prohibits state, county and local police officers from investigating, detaining or searching a person solely for immigration enforcement purposes.

It comes as the federal government ramps up immigration enforcement across the country.

Maine House Republicans blasted the decision on Monday, saying the law will shield criminals and weaken efforts to prevent violent crime:

“Limiting cooperation between Maine law enforcement and federal authorities – a longstanding tradition due to Maine’s extensive foreign border – shows a reckless disregard for public safety and will put Maine’s public at risk.”

Democratic Senate President Mattie Daughtry praised the decision in a statement on Monday, saying in part:

“This Presidential administration has put a target on the backs of so many who just want to go to work, raise their kids, and give back to their communities.”

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