At the Scarborough Town Council’s October 21 public hearing on Order 26-085, “Municipal Policies Regarding Federal Immigration Enforcement,” State Rep. Sophia “Sophie” Warren (D–House District 124, Scarborough) stepped to the microphone to urge the town to wall itself off from federal immigration enforcement. (Watch her remarks, 2:36:15–2:39:46.)
What she said
“ICE is right down the street from this building… Scarborough has one of the highest records of residents being taken since the surge under this federal administration in Maine.” (2:36:23)
She offered no source for that claim, and we have not been able to verify it.
“That is stunning and horrifying. We don’t want ICE anywhere in Maine, but when they are down the street, the threat is higher and the responsibility is ours.” (2:36:43)
A sitting state legislator, sworn to uphold the law, called a federal law enforcement agency a “threat” and said she doesn’t want it “anywhere in Maine.”
“I strongly support adopting a municipal policy prohibiting the voluntary use of town personnel, property… and other taxpayer resources to assist federal immigration enforcement.” (2:37:09)
“…serve and protect the people who live here, regardless of their immigration status.” (2:37:22)
Earlier that night, speaking remotely during general public comment (about 1:39:40), she relayed a resident’s report of a Flock license-plate camera at Market Basket, admitting she “can’t confirm whether that report is true or not,” and worried the data could reach immigration authorities. The assistant town manager answered that the town knows of no Flock cameras, and that police had already chosen not to adopt that technology.
In fairness
Rep. Warren framed her case as public safety and trust, arguing that people who fear enforcement may not report crimes. She said the policy is “not about preventing federal authorities from carrying out their lawful responsibilities,” and asked that it preserve “compliance with valid judicial orders and other binding legal obligations.” ICE does have a facility at 40 Manson Libby Road in Scarborough.
Why it matters
Using taxpayer-funded town resources to make a political statement against federal law enforcement, backed by an unverified statistic and an unconfirmed rumor, is exactly the kind of thing Scarborough voters should be watching. The council’s final vote on Order 26-085 is scheduled for November 4.
Sources: Oct 21 meeting video · Scarborough council meetings · Legal notice · Rep. Warren’s legislative profile