“American Flag Upside Down” Displayed at Monument Square Rally on Saturday Morning, August 8, 2026 by Maine Resident Chris Beasley, Indicates Distress Because of Trump’s Illegal Policies.
On August 11, the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition received a report and supporting evidence through the Maine Immigrant Defense Hotline indicating that the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained a married couple of African descent outside the Cumberland County Courthouse around 12:10 pm.
The Hotline has received other reports this year of ICE activity near the Cumberland County Courthouse and Lewiston District Court. Over the past two weeks, MIRC has also received reports of at least five ICE detentions at Portland International Jetport, including the reported detention of a MaineHealth nurse.
Courthouse arrests discourage victims and witnesses from reporting crimes or participating in legal proceedings. They are especially troubling as some federal immigration hearings are being moved forward by months or years, sometimes without sufficient notice. The National Immigration Project warns that missing a hearing or roll call can result in a removal order. Immigrants now face a punishing bind: missng court can lead to removal, while appearing in or around a courthouse may expose them to detention.
Airport enforcement has been expanding: a May 2025 agreement formalized information-sharing between TSA and ICE. Internal data reviewed by Reuters indicated that TSA provided ICE with records concerning morre than 31,000 travelers, resulting in more than 800 arrests through February 2026. National reporting describes arrests at check in counters and boarding gates, including people with work authorization or pending immigration applications.
MIRC calls on state and local officials to protect access to courts and other essential institutions, prevent public resources from being used for federal civil immigration enforcement except where legally required, and allow remote court appearances wherever appropriate and authorized.
People with temporary or uncertain immigration status should consult a qualified immmigration attorney before flying. Community members can make a family safety plan and visit the LighthouseME.Resource Hub for information and resources.
To report suspected immigration-enforcement activity or seek referrals, call the Maine Immigrant Defense Hotline at 207 – 544-9989. The Hotline does NOT provide legal advice.
“MAGA Member Susan Collins helped to make ICE illegal and immoral activies possible through her support for the “Big Beautiful Bill” she supported. She needs to be defeated by Democratic candidate Troy Jackson in the upcoming November 2026 election,” said this blogger. “He has a proven track record as a member of the Maine Legislature and president of the Maine Senate.”
It was reported this evening that ICE may be spending $20 million for electrified gloves to assist in their illegal and immoral work. “Is this how you want your tax payer money to be spent?” asks this blogger. “ICE has so much money thanks in part to Susan Collins that it doesn’t know how to spend it all. It’s call G.L.O.V.E.