During a recent meeting of the Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Human Rights in Bangor, Maine, significant discussions centered around the city's stance on 287(g) agreements, which allow local law enforcement to collaborate with federal immigration authorities. The committee has been actively addressing public concerns regarding this issue since January, with a focus on ensuring that Bangor does not opt into such agreements.

In August, the committee drafted a preliminary recommendation to submit to the Government Operations Committee (GovOps), aiming to clarify Bangor's position against participating in 287(g) agreements. This initiative was largely driven by public feedback, with many citizens expressing a desire for a stronger commitment from the city to avoid future collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

At a subsequent meeting with GovOps, committee members presented their draft, which received mixed feedback. While the language was deemed strong, concerns were raised about potential risks, including the possibility of losing federal funding or becoming a target for federal scrutiny. In response, committee members, including Shane and the city solicitor, met with Police Chief Hathaway to gain a clearer understanding of ICE enforcement in Bangor.

This meeting led to the development of a revised resolution that incorporated insights from the GovOps meeting, public comments, and the committee's previous drafts. The new proposal drew inspiration from a recent resolution passed by Portland, Maine, which emphasized a commitment to not engage with ICE without explicitly naming 287(g).

The committee's efforts reflect a broader commitment to racial equity and human rights in Bangor, as they seek to align city policies with community values. The draft resolution, along with feedback from the city solicitor, was shared with committee members for further review, indicating ongoing collaboration and responsiveness to community concerns. As the committee moves forward, the implications of their recommendations could significantly shape Bangor's approach to immigration enforcement and community relations.