Organizers urge Scarborough to pursue FOIA, local ordinances and zoning reviews after ICE-related death

Multiple organizers and residents asked the town to follow the proclamation with concrete local actions. Sophie Warren outlined three measures the council could consider: adopt an ordinance restricting municipal resources from assisting civil immigration enforcement, formally investigate the facility for land-use and permit violations, and direct police to publish clear demonstration and protest procedures.

"You should be using FOIA requests," Warren told the council, and she cited examples of other Maine municipalities that have pursued similar steps. Mary Ellen Galante and Cynthia Nye urged formal Freedom of Information Act requests to audit the facility’s operations and to verify whether overnight detention or other unpermitted activities have occurred. Galante said she has "evidence that an overnight detention occurred at the facility last week" and described a detained delivery driver who faced thousands in bail and fees; councilors said such claims merit verification through legal channels before policy action.

Councilor Anderson said the council should examine every lawful avenue but warned that land-use and enforcement options require further legal analysis. He asked town staff to open dialogues with the property owner (referenced in the meeting as a representative of MRA Realty) and the General Services Administration as part of a fact-finding effort. The council did not vote on ordinance language but adopted the proclamation and instructed staff to report back with legal options.