Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Immigration Local topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Scarborough council unanimously adopts proclamation urging congressional review of local ICE processing site
Summary
At a July 29 special meeting the Scarborough Town Council unanimously adopted Proclamation 26‑004 asking Maine's congressional delegation to review federal immigration-processing operations at 40 Manson Libby Road following the killing of Johan Sebastian Guerrero; the action follows extensive public comment calling for FOIA requests and local measures.
The Scarborough Town Council on July 29 adopted Proclamation 26‑004, asking Maine’s congressional delegation to work with federal agencies to review the continued use of 40 Manson Libby Road as a federal immigration-processing facility and to promote transparency and community engagement. Councilors voted unanimously in a roll-call vote after a lengthy public comment period.
Councilor Anderson, who the chair identified as the primary drafter, said the proclamation was a lawful first step that asks federal officials and the facility owner to answer community concerns. "Our congressional delegation must act now to drive accountability, deliver reform, and protect the residents of Scarborough by working to remove the ICE facility from our town," he said. Anderson also urged the town to pursue legally defensible options such as FOIA requests and discussions with the property owner and the General Services Administration.
The adoption followed more than an hour of public testimony. Speakers included residents and organizers who presented petitions and asked the council to take further action; several urged local ordinances or enforcement measures, FOIA requests, and clearer local demonstrator-protection policies for police. Opponents argued the town may lack authority to force eviction or to unilaterally close a privately leased federal facility. The council’s roll-call recorded all members voting "Yes": Councilor Doherty, Councilor Kane, Councilor Donovan, Councilor Anderson, Councilor Hayes (participating remotely), and Chairman Fellows.
The council described the proclamation as a request for federal review and community engagement rather than a direct municipal order to close the facility. Council members said additional legal analysis will be required before pursuing ordinances or land‑use enforcement. The town said it will share the proclamation with the congressional delegation and noted previously received letters of support from some state and federal representatives.
