STATEMENT: Maine Public Health Association Condemns Aggressive ICE Tactics

February 5, 2026

STATEMENT: Maine Public Health Association Condemns Aggressive ICE Tactics

AUGUSTA – In recent weeks ICE activity in Maine and across the country has intensified, leading to violent confrontations between ICE agents, U.S. citizens, and immigrants in which people have been harassed, illegally detained, and killed. 

The aggressive and intimidating conduct exhibited by immigration officials has far reaching ripple effects in our communities here in Maine, and across the country. Recent ICE operations have prevented children from going to school, parents from going to work, and sick people from getting the care they need. Altogether, the losses in academic and social development and business operations, and increase in community anxiety are significantly harming the public's health.

We can have sensible immigration enforcement without the violence and uncertainty that’s accompanied ICE operations in recent weeks. While it’s encouraging to see reports of ICE activity decreasing in Maine, Maine Public Health Association urges our elected officials to mandate a commitment to due process, and ensure increased oversight and transparency of any future ICE operations.

Check out the latest Healthy Maine Talks episode to learn more about the "Public Health Impacts of ICE Operations"

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