Portland Lawyers and Advocates Protest ICE Arrests in Downtown March
On Friday, a group of lawyers and legal advocates gathered in Portland to express dissent against aggressive immigration enforcement by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The march, part of broader protests addressing legal issues, occurred in the Bayside neighborhood and garnered supportive honks from passing vehicles as participants voiced their concerns about unlawful arrests.
Portland Lawyers Protest ICE Arrests
The event was organized by members of the Maine Lawyers for the Rule of Law. Attorney David Webbert emphasized the significance of the protests, stating, “Lawyers are officers of the justice system. This is not normal; this is outrageous and Mainers need to know that lawyers recognize that.”
Concerns Raised by the Maine State Bar Association
- The Maine State Bar Association (MSBA) issued a statement condemning ICE’s actions in the state.
- MSBA criticized the conduct of ICE agents, which includes warrantless searches and racial profiling.
- The association acknowledged the complexity of immigration law but called illegal enforcement tactics unacceptable.
The association reiterated its commitment to uphold the constitutional rights of all individuals in Maine. They expressed alarm over enforcement practices seen as retaliatory against politically dissenting areas, urging law enforcement to respect constitutional limits on power.
Backdrop of Increased ICE Activity
Legal professionals expressed heightened concern regarding ICE’s activities following reports that approximately 50 detainees had been removed from the Cumberland County Jail. This move came after a local sheriff criticized ICE for its arrest of a corrections officer. Legal records indicate that a federal judge had temporarily barred ICE from transferring certain detainees out of Maine, yet it appears ICE proceeded contrary to this ruling.
During the protest, Webbert criticized ICE’s disregard for court orders, suggesting the agency’s actions were retaliatory. Remarks from U.S. Attorney Andrew Benson, who called for respect toward federal officers, were met with disappointment by protestors, who felt he did not adequately address ICE’s civil rights violations.
Conclusion
The protests in Portland reflect growing frustration among legal advocates over the actions of federal immigration enforcement. As these events unfold, the call for upholding the rule of law and defending the rights of all individuals remains paramount for those involved in the legal community.
