Bill > LD1971

This bill establishes new rules for how state and local law enforcement agencies in Maine interact with federal immigration authorities, aiming to protect workers by clarifying these relationships. It defines key terms like "Department of Homeland Security," "hold request" (which is a request from immigration authorities to detain someone beyond their normal release time to facilitate transfer), "immigration authority," and "immigration detainer" (a specific type of hold request). The bill generally prohibits law enforcement agencies from using their money or personnel for immigration enforcement purposes, such as investigating immigration status, detaining individuals solely based on a hold request, or sharing release dates or personal information with immigration authorities, unless authorized by a court order or criminal warrant. However, it allows for certain exceptions, including exchanging information consistent with federal law, taking action against individuals for specific federal crimes like illegal re-entry when detected during unrelated law enforcement activity, responding to requests for criminal history information, participating in joint task forces not primarily focused on immigration enforcement, and allowing interviews with immigration authorities if supported by a court order. Custodial law enforcement agencies are also required to obtain written consent from inmates before allowing voluntary interviews with immigration authorities about civil immigration violations and must inform inmates that they cannot be detained solely based on a hold request. Finally, agencies must retain records of hold requests for four years.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1971&snum=132