“Blow the Whistle on Ice” says the Sign Adopted by the BNA Board. A Whistle Alerts Neighbors to ICE’s Presence.”

A Sign at one of the Recent Protests Against ICE Murder of Renee Nicole King, 37, Mother of Three, in Minneapolis, MN.

In response to recent reports about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Maine, the Bayside Neighborhood Association board voted today to release the following statement:

“The Bayside Neighborhood Association stands, as always, with our immigrant neighbors and friends.  New Mainers from other countries, whose hard-work and commitment to bilding a better life makes Bayside a better place, are among the best of us.  The multicultural fabric of Bayside is and has always been an integral part of our neighborhood’s identity as a welcoming community.  Our mission continues to focus on promoting diversity and forging meaningful partnerships.  The BNA opposes any plan to bring militarized federal agents to our city to target and detainl our fellow residents.”

Recentllyl, the City of Portland, Maine’s Mayor Mark Dion released the following statement:  “Our community is anxious and fearful regarding the understanding that ICE is planning to send agents to Portland and Lewiston next week.  We are a welcoming city.  There is no evidence of unchecked criminal activity in our community requiring a disproportionate presence of federal agents.  In that view, Portland rejects the need for the deployment of ICE agents into our neighborhoods.  Whle we respect the law, we challenge the need for a paramilitary approach to the enforcement of federal statutes.  That consequence of law enforcement should not be chaos and violence, which only reslts in making Portland less safe.”

The press release from BNA continues advising the public to “wear a whistle and use these codes to help keep your community safe:  3 SHORT BLASTS:  ICE is nearby.  1 LONG BLAST:  ICE is detaining someone.  FORM A CROWD AND STAY LOUD!  Stay non-violent but DON’T STAY SILENT!

CALL THE ICE HOTLINE:  207 – 544-9989.