AUGUSTA – Rep. Ellie Sato, D-Gorham, introduced legislation before the Judiciary Committee last week that would provide clarity for employees at Maine health care facilities, public libraries, schools and daycare centers that they cannot provide non-public information to federal immigration authorities like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bill would also ensure that ICE cannot access the non-public spaces of public facilities without a valid judicial warrant.
LD 2106 would align Maine law with the previous standard utilized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding access to non-public information and private locations in community spaces.
The policy, which had been in place since 2011, spanned multiple federal administrations led by both Republicans and Democrats prior to the start of the second Trump administration last year.
“The heart of this legislation is the intent to reduce violence in our schools, hospitals, libraries and daycares, and help both medical professionals and patients feel safer entering health facilities to work and seek care,” said Sato. “Many Mainers have stopped going to work, attending school or going to the doctor out of fear for their safety. Employers like MaineHealth have reported understaffing as workers call out due to the increased ICE presence in our state. Community organizations are reporting that the terrifying tactics of immigration enforcement are exacerbating public health issues.”
Since Nov. 30, 2025, 73.6% of individuals detained by federal authorities nationwide did not have a criminal record, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse out of Syracuse University.
“I come before the committee today outraged for the community I represent,” testified Rep. Morgan Reilly, D-Westbrook. “ICE has acted with utter recklessness on the streets of my hometown. They are terrorizing my neighbors, business owners, students and faith leaders. The New Mainers in Westbrook make our community better. They belong in Westbrook. I am proud of the community members who have stepped up to document ICE in their neighborhoods and provide food for those afraid to leave their homes. They represent the good in my community and in our country.”
The Maine Association of School Libraries, Maine Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Maine School Boards Association and countless others testified in support of the legislation.
The Legislature’s Judiciary Committee will hold a work session on this bill in the coming weeks.
Rep. Ellie Sato, D-Gorham, is serving her first term in the Maine House of Representatives and is a member of the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Sato) | 305-965-2744