AUGUSTA – Today, Gov. Janet Mills announced her intention to let LD 1971 go into law without her signature when the Legislature reconvenes in January.
As amended, the bill, sponsored by Rep. Deqa Dhalac, D-South Portland, would prohibit Maine law enforcement agencies from engaging in federal immigration enforcement. It also clarifies that local and state agencies can continue working with federal partners to investigate serious crimes including terrorism, drug trafficking and human trafficking.
In response to the announcement, Rep. Dhalac released the following statement:
“I appreciate that Gov. Mills will allow LD 1971 to become law, but I am disappointed that she decided to wait this long. When the Legislature enacted this bill last June, we made it clear that defining the boundaries between state law enforcement and federal immigration authorities was critical to safeguarding our communities. Local police taking part in enforcing federal immigration law damages their relationship with immigrant communities, erodes public trust and makes us all less safe, whether we are immigrants or not. This new law will protect the dignity, due process and public safety of all who call our state home.”
Contact:
Brian Lee (Dhalac) | 305-965-2744