Lawyers and legal advocates marched through Portland’s Bayside neighborhood on March 15, 2024, to protest what they describe as unlawful arrests by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The demonstration was sparked by concerns over increased federal immigration enforcement activities in Maine, including the transfer of detainees from the Cumberland County Jail.
Participants in the march, including prominent lawyer David Webbert, voiced their frustrations regarding ICE’s tactics. Webbert, a member of the Maine Lawyers for the Rule of Law group, emphasized the importance of the rule of law, a principle that holds individuals accountable to publicly enacted laws that respect human rights. He stated, “This is not normal, this is outrageous, and Mainers need to know that lawyers recognize that.”
The event drew a couple of dozen attendees who expressed their support as cars honked in solidarity. This protest is part of a broader movement among legal professionals who have previously held organized events, including protests near the Cumberland County courthouse and a forum at the University of Southern Maine in September.
Concerns Over ICE Actions
Recent reports indicated that ICE had moved approximately 50 detainees from the Cumberland County Jail following criticism from Sheriff Kevin Joyce regarding ICE’s operations. Court records reveal that a federal judge had temporarily barred the government from transferring at least four detainees, highlighting legal tensions surrounding the enforcement actions.
According to a court filing from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine, ICE’s actions were in violation of a ruling by U.S. District Court Judge John Woodcock. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Lizotte stated that his office was not informed of ICE’s decision to remove detainees until March 15, despite the ongoing legal restrictions.
Webbert expressed his discontent with ICE’s disregard for court orders, saying, “They don’t care about following court orders. They’re just mad at the sheriff; they want to punish him.” He also criticized the recent comments made by U.S. Attorney Andrew Benson, who advised the public to respect federal officers and avoid divisive rhetoric. Webbert argued that Benson’s statement did not acknowledge the legitimate concerns regarding ICE’s potential violations of civil rights.
Community Reactions
The protest highlighted the growing tensions between local officials and federal immigration enforcement. Gov. Janet Mills and other local leaders have publicly expressed their concerns regarding ICE’s practices in various states, further complicating the situation. As Webbert spoke to reporters, he engaged with a passerby who questioned the protest. The exchange underscored differing perspectives on ICE’s role in immigration enforcement, with the driver suggesting that ICE is “cleaning up” after the previous administration.
As the march concluded, participants reinforced their commitment to advocating for the rule of law and the protection of civil rights in Maine. The event served as a reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding immigration enforcement and the impact on local communities.
