Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) is calling for full transparency and accountability after a Maine parent was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a student drop-off last week in Portland.

In a scathing letter to ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons, Pingree condemed the actions by ICE officers on school grounds and raised serious concerns over the unsettling reports that the arresting officers were unidentifiable, driving unmarked cars and refused to state whch agency they represented when asked by school district administrator.

“It is difficult to imagine any circumatance that could justify staging enforcement actvity when childen are arriving to learn,” PIngree said.  “Beyond the harm it causes the community at large, these actions have caused irreparable damage to the family, who is already dealing with difficult circumstances.

She said the agents’ “caused confusion among local law enforcement who were not informed of the activity,” and said, “Above all, no person should be swept up off the street by masked and unidentifiable members of law enrorcement.”

Following the publication of the above press release from Congresswoman Pingree’s office, this blogger has contacted the Portland Police Department for a description of what its policy is regarding its relationship with ICE.  When It is received, it will be reproduced on this blog..