Cumberland County District Attorney Jacqueline Sartoris has canceled a scheduled news conference following concerns expressed by Maine’s court administrator. The event was set to take place at the Cumberland County Courthouse in Portland, aimed at addressing anticipated U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
Concerns About Holding Conference
The news conference, initially planned for Friday morning at 10 a.m., included participation from Portland Mayor Mark Dion and several city councilors. Sartoris indicated that the state’s Judicial Branch raised concerns regarding the security implications of conducting a public press event near active court proceedings.
“There is also, understandably, genuine concern about holding a fairly public conversation proximate to the Courts about this issue at this time,” Sartoris remarked.
Advisory from Maine Judicial Branch
Barbara Cardone, a spokesperson for the Maine Judicial Branch, clarified that the court administrator did not directly request the cancellation, but recommended that the conference not occur within courthouse premises. Cardone highlighted the importance of maintaining judicial neutrality, stating, “The actions of ICE can be seen as divisive and political.”
She emphasized that the courts would not interfere with ICE investigations and would ensure that court activities operate without disruption.
Local Officials React to ICE Rumors
Sartoris had planned the conference to make a statement reinforcing the need for compliance with local laws, following rumors of increased ICE activity targeting Portland and Lewiston. In a collective response, Maine officials have publicly criticized the potential ICE operations.
- Mayor Dion stated, “The Portland community rejects the need for the deployment of ICE agents into our neighborhoods.”
- Dion further expressed that there is no evidence necessitating a heightened federal presence, arguing against a “paramilitary approach to the enforcement of federal statutes.”
Governor Janet Mills also addressed the situation, indicating that her office has yet to confirm any forthcoming federal immigration enforcement actions planned for Maine. In her video statement, Mills asserted, “If your plan is to come here, to be provocative and to undermine the civil rights of Maine residents, do not be confused: Those tactics are not welcome here.”
As discussions continue, local leaders remain engaged in addressing community safety and civil rights amidst fears of increased federal enforcement.
