Families in Maine Fight ICE Detainee Transfers, Echoing Historical Concerns
Following a federal immigration crackdown in Maine, immigration attorneys are working to locate and prevent the transfer of over 200 detainees, as ICE quickly moves individuals out of state, making them harder to reach and increasing their risk of removal. Legal challenges are complicated by the rapid transfers, as attorneys must file petitions in the detainee’s jurisdiction, and Maine’s limited legal resources are strained by the influx of cases. With Maine lacking sufficient detention facilities, detainees are being moved to locations like Louisiana, where they face difficult conditions. Non-profit organizations are providing free legal aid, as private firms’ fees may be prohibitive.