The Portland City Council has approved an ordinance that expands restrictions on how city employees may cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The measure, which passed with a 7-1 vote, extends the city’s existing non-cooperation policy beyond the police department to include all municipal employees.
Under the new ordinance, city staff are prohibited from assisting federal agencies with immigration enforcement operations unless legally mandated. Additionally, federal agents are barred from accessing non-public areas of municipal buildings for immigration-related activities, and city resources cannot be used to support federal immigration enforcement.
Mayor Mark Dion cast the lone dissenting vote, expressing concern that the ordinance could leave city workers vulnerable if they feel intimidated by federal agents. He proposed an amendment to protect staff from discipline in such situations, but it was not adopted.
Supporters of the ordinance argue that it provides clearer guidance to city employees and aims to reduce fear within immigrant communities. The policy aligns Portland with other Maine municipalities, such as Lewiston, that have implemented similar restrictions on local cooperation with ICE.
The ordinance is set to take effect in 30 days, positioning Portland as one of the latest cities to adopt more restrictive local policies on immigration enforcement amid ongoing statewide debates on the issue.