The Maine Immigrants’ Rights  Coalition (MIRC), representing over 100 organizations across Maine, released a new online tool to help immigrants and other Mainers find trusted information, connect to resources, explore data and understand the issues impacting immigrants in Maine.

The tool, now available at LighthouseME.org was presented publicly for the first time on June 3rd, today. at 11:00 am in Steven’s Square  Theater, 631 Stevens Avenue, Portland.

The presentation introduced the tool to over 75 Hotline volunteers, immigrant advocates and service providers across the state.  The launch coincided with the release of a new MIRC report analyzing outcomes of “Operation Catch of the Day” in January 2026, which was available in printed form at the event.

A PDF of the report can now be found on the LighhouseME.org site.

Along with Hotline volunteers, elected representatives were also present to learn more about the tool.  The hotline provides much needed transparency about the issues impacting immigrant communities and MIRC believes this site will be helpful to officials crafting public policy at local, state and federal levels to help all Mainers thrive.

The site contains information regarding where Hotline calls are occurring, the nature of the calls, background data provided from ICE through public records obtained via FOIA lawsuits and analytical reports helping digest the data.  The tool was developed in response to the continued escalation of immigration enforcement across the state, causing a negative impact on the quality of life and the businesses in Maine.  This tool, monhs in development, comes as our Hotline and community has reported an uptick in detentions over recent weeks, paralleling a steady rise over the past year.

“We just continue to light the way for those who come behind us.  The wellbeing of immigrants seeking refuge in Maine is tied to the wellbeing of all Mainers, no matter where they came from or how long they’ve been here,” said MIRC Executive Director, Mufalo Chitam.  “We created this tool for those seeking a safer path forward than the one we’ve seen laid in the past year by federal immigration officicials and ICE agents.”