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Residents urge council to reject ICE 287(g) agreements; town officials say program is not under consideration
Summary
Several South Berwick residents used public comment to urge the council and police not to enter memorandums of agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) program. Town officials and the police chief said the town is not pursuing such an agreement and explained the approval process.
Multiple residents told the South Berwick Town Council on April 22 they oppose any local memorandum of agreement (MOA) that would deputize local officers for immigration enforcement under ICE's 287(g) program.
Brad (last name not given) read from the March 2025 MOA text to highlight financial obligations, quoting language that "participating law enforcement agency personnel will carry out designated functions at the law enforcement agency's expense, including salaries and benefits, local transportation, and official issue material." He said the MOA requires mandatory training but does not state the required hours or costs, creating "immense ambiguity of the potential financial burden" on a town.
Scott Landis, speaking from Academy Street, described 287(g) as voluntary agreements that "allow ICE to deputize state and local police officers to perform immigration enforcement functions not normally part of their authority or responsibility." Landis cited recent 287(g) developments in nearby Wells and said residents there were alarmed.
Sandy Agrafiotis called the prospect of participating in such an agreement "disturbing" and said residents she has spoken with strongly oppose local collaboration with ICE for immigration enforcement.
Town Manager Tim and Police Chief Ruger addressed the concerns during the meeting. Tim told the public the town has not considered entering a 287(g) agreement: "This is not in consideration. It's not being thought of." Chief Ruger noted the training burden would be significant, saying the training for new officers is "every new officer 40 hours," and that any operational engagement with a federal agency that required local participation would have to come through the chief and then to the town manager and council for approval.
No formal action was taken. Councilors invited public input and staff said they would not proceed without a formal operational request and subsequent public process.
