Over the last week, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reportedly detained over 200 people in the state of Maine, mainly in Greater Portland and Lewiston. The detainments are part of what the Department of Homeland Security has dubbed “Operation Catch of the Day,” an effort targeting immigrants that DHS considers criminals. However, the Sun Journal reports that many of the people detained by ICE in the last week are legal citizens, have legal status, and/or no significant criminal records.
Mainers demonstrated their outrage with ICE presence in the state on Saturday, with thousands protesting across the state, including in Lewiston.
The repercussions of ICE presence in Maine are numerous. Lewiston residents have expressed fear of leaving their homes, preventing them from working, taking their kids to school and grocery shopping. Advocacy organizations are in demand of more resources as they coordinate legal representation and support for people who have been detained.
On Bates campus, students, staff, and faculty have been organizing and responding to concerns as they emerge, navigating what increased ICE presence means.
“It’s important that we protect our neighbors and care about each other,” Malcolm Emmons, a co-owner of Nerdcore on Lisbon Street shared with The Student earlier this month. “The most important thing that you can do is find a way that you can be involved.”
Emmons encouraged people to meet with him to talk about the best ways for people to help, taking into account their limitations and strengths. “I’ve been involved in activism since I was 17… There are so many options to do a thing to help your neighbors, and your friends, and the people you’re worried about.”
There is an urgent need for action as a result of ICE presence in Lewiston. The Bates Student has collected the following ways you can help the community.
- Volunteer – Take Action in our Community
According to Mo Awil, associate director of volunteer programs and community partnerships at the Harward Center, community partners have voiced increased and changed needs from student volunteers. Due to staffing shortages and concerns for safety, he said, local organizations have had to change the way they operate. Notably, food pantries have had an increased need for food delivery volunteers, while specific residents need help picking up and dropping off their kids at school.
Awil encourages students to reach out to Harward Center’s community outreach fellows or to contact the Harward Center for additional volunteer opportunities or questions. CommunityPulse is also an established Harward Center resource where Bates volunteers can easily see and sign up for upcoming opportunities to volunteer with community partners.
Gather to Grow is a nonprofit serving the Lewiston-Auburn community that works on food insecurity. They are currently seeking help with food distribution.
Community Organizing Alliance, a civic engagement and social justice organization, needs help coordinating rides to work, medical appointments, among others for community members. Reach out to [email protected] for more information.
Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition (MIRC) is a network of Maine-based organizations seeking to improve the economic, social, and legal conditions of immigrants in Maine. They are looking for volunteers across the whole coalition and will help place you where your skills are most needed.
Trinity Jubilee Center is a soup kitchen, food pantry, resource center and shelter in Lewiston. Due to staffing shortages and increased community need, the center has increased need for volunteers in the soup kitchen.
Mainers for Humane Immigration provides financial support and emergency assistance to people who have been detained by ICE. They are looking for volunteers to help respond to detainment cases. Zoom training is provided for volunteers.
- Speak Up – Legislation
Voicing your concerns to your representatives lets them know how they should be voting in upcoming legislation. The legislative season began January 7, and already has included LD 1971 and LD 1383, as well as LD 2106, all of which focus on ICE presence, authority and resources in Maine.
By following key newsletters to keep track of relevant bills, calling your representatives, testifying in the State Legislature (or submitting written testimony), you can exercise your voice to advocate for conditions you believe in.
Key Resources:
Weekly legislative updates from Maine Women’s Lobby
How to call your representatives through 5calls.org
Toolkit for writing testimony, compiled by MWL, or attend Student Demand Action’s upcoming training on testimony writing (Feb. 11 at 5 p.m. in Commons 226)
- Check In – Informal Conversations as Community Care
If getting your word out publicly isn’t for you, consider more casual communication. It’s important not to underestimate the importance of informal action. Check in with your friends, classmates, coworkers, and neighbors.
Something as simple as letting others know that you understand it’s a hard time and being compassionate can make a difference. If it seems like someone is struggling, you can be there for them by taking the time to sit with them and listen to what they need right now.
There are also all sorts of other resources for support on campus, including staff at the SCBC, their individual Student Support Advisor, or CAPS.
- Donate – How To Help with Your Wallet
As people and services work to support our community, you can sustain their work indirectly by providing vital financial support.
Project Relief Maine is a key mutual aid group providing urgent support to those impacted by ICE and systemic injustice, including food, housing, bond funds, and legal representation.
The Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition (MIRC) currently provides key coordinating services to connect community members, leaders, organizations, and resources.
The Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) provides legal assistance for people detained by immigration officials, in addition to providing comprehensive resources to help individuals, families, and communities know their rights and navigate the legal system.
Groups providing financial resources include the Maine Solidarity Fund and the Maine Community Relief Fund, which are funds supporting at-risk individuals, marginalized communities, and impacted families.
For a more comprehensive list of organizations and key funds to donate to, check out the ‘Take Action’ page of MIRC’s resource hub.
- Inform Yourself – Stay Up to Date
For more information on how to help on urgent issues, sign up for newsletters from organizers that keep up to date, such as No ICE for ME, Maine Youth Power, or Community Organizing Alliance. You can also check out information hubs like The Maine Immigrant Resource Hub & Hotline for more extensive resource lists.
