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Lewiston council adopts ordinance limiting municipal cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, 5–2
Summary
The Lewiston City Council voted 5–2 on March 17 to adopt an amendment to city ordinance restricting municipal cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, using the word "required" to remove employee discretion and align with forthcoming state law; the police chief had urged further consultation, citing operational concerns.
After nearly two hours of debate and a written plea from Police Chief Conley, the Lewiston City Council voted 5–2 to adopt an amendment to the city administrative code limiting municipal assistance to federal immigration enforcement.
Councilors debated whether the ordinance should use the word "required" — effectively barring city employees from cooperating with ICE or CBP except when compelled by state or federal statute or a judicial order — or the softer word "authorized," which Chief Conley told the council earlier in a letter could create operational uncertainty for the police. "While the ordinance does provide certain exceptions ... the distinction between required and authorized still creates uncertainty regarding what actions the department would be permitted to take," Chief Conley wrote to the council the day before the vote.
Supporters of the "required" language said it removes discretion and protects community trust, especially among immigrant residents who reported fear during recent federal immigration operations. Opponents, including the police chief, said the change could impede collaborative investigations of serious crimes and urged additional consultation with law enforcement. "There are very few actions we are strictly required or mandated to take," Conley wrote; council supporters said the city must limit municipal involvement unless a court or higher law compels action.
The final roll‑call vote to adopt the amendment was 5 in favor, 2 opposed.
What the ordinance does: The amendment prohibits city employees and departments from granting federal agents access to non‑public areas of city property for immigration enforcement operations, except where legally required by state or federal law or judicial order, and creates a clear local policy that municipal staff will not act as enforcement agents on federal immigration operations absent compulsion.
Next steps and implications: The new language is intended to align Lewiston policy with a state law taking effect this summer (council discussion referenced pending statewide changes). Police leaders and council members indicated they will continue to coordinate operational procedures and training to reconcile city policy with statutory and investigative obligations.
