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Committee reviews LD 1971 and discusses local options around 287(g) agreements
Summary
Members discussed LD 1971, which the committee was told passed both chambers and was on the governor’s desk, and explored whether Bangor should consider a local resolve to decline participation in 287(g) agreements that delegate immigration enforcement to local law enforcement.
Members of the Bangor City Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion and Human Rights discussed LD 1971 and how a state-level decision could affect local policy on immigration enforcement partnerships.
Chair Katie Bryden summarized the bill’s status and timeline: she said she had asked the Maine Municipal Association legislative director and was told LD 1971 “passed the house and the senate on June 18, and it's now on the governor's desk for action,” and that “the governor has 10 days… since it was sent her on June 18, she has until June 30 to make a decision.”
Committee members noted the legislative text addresses whether municipalities enter agreements under the federal 287(g) program — written agreements that delegate certain immigration enforcement functions to local agencies. Bryden said the materials she circulated include draft resolve language other municipalities have used to state they would not enter a 287(g) agreement and to make clear that local police would not perform ICE duties.
Discussion emphasized the committee’s limited authority: members agreed they could prepare a recommendation or draft language for city council consideration but could not adopt an official city position themselves during the meeting. Committee members also noted a distinction raised in the meeting materials: LD 1971 would focus on 287(g)-type agreements and would not prohibit federal involvement by agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security or Border Patrol.
The committee agreed to read the materials, discuss language at a future meeting and, if the city council wished, prepare a recommended resolve for council consideration. No formal recommendation or vote was taken at the meeting.
