Bill > LD1259

This bill establishes a new law in Maine that prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies and officers from entering into any agreements with federal immigration enforcement authorities. Specifically, the bill defines key terms like "law enforcement agency" and "law enforcement officer" using existing state definitions, and then creates a comprehensive ban on written or oral contracts that would grant federal immigration enforcement powers to local law enforcement. This prohibition includes agreements made under Section 1357(g) of Title 8 of the United States Code, which typically allows for cooperation between local and federal immigration authorities. The bill appears aimed at preventing local law enforcement from collaborating with federal immigration enforcement, potentially to protect the privacy and civil liberties of immigrants or to limit federal immigration enforcement activities at the local level. By enacting this provision, Maine would be creating a legal barrier that prevents its state and local law enforcement agencies from directly assisting federal immigration authorities in their enforcement efforts.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1259&snum=132