AUGUSTA – A new law sponsored by Rep. Ellie Sato, D-Gorham, to help uphold due process in Maine is now in effect.
In the wake of increasing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Maine, LD 2106 provides clarity for employees at public schools, state health facilities and state libraries on what to do if, and when, they encounter federal immigration enforcement. The law also requires immigration officers to obtain a warrant signed by a judge in order to conduct enforcement at places where everyone should feel safe, like schools and hospitals.
Earlier this month, Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, a 25-year-old father who was legally authorized to work in the United States, was murdered by ICE in broad daylight in Biddeford. It has been reported that he was misidentified and wrongly targeted.
“As we have tragically seen here in Maine, ICE’s reckless actions have repeatedly demonstrated the overwhelming dangers of conducting immigration enforcement without due process. They have created terror in our communities, causing Mainers of all backgrounds to fear for their safety,” said Sato. “While the responsibility to fully hold ICE accountable lies with Congress, I am proud to have sponsored this new law aiming to help uphold due process in Maine and protect the rights and safety of all residents by working to restrict where federal immigration enforcement can operate.”
The new law upholds the standard previously utilized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for accessing non-public documents and private locations in community spaces that had been in effect at DHS since 2011 — spanning multiple federal administrations led by both Republicans and Democrats.
Additionally, the law directs the Attorney General to provide clear guidelines for sensitive locations like daycares and places of worship on how to exercise Fourth Amendment rights to protect workers and patrons.
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.
Brian Lee (Sato) | 305-965-2744