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This is a letter of support from an Orono citizen in regards to a proposed ordinance to limit Bangor’s municipal involvement with federal immigration enforcement to the minimum legally required by judicial warrant. Doing so may enhance public trust in our respective communities, and also help avoid financial and legal liabilities.
Assisting federal agents as they infringe on immigrants’, protesters’ and observers’ constitutional rights could lead to litigation against our communities. Whether or not a plaintiff could successfully sue ICE, they might be able to sue cooperating entities (such as local governments) for violation of the Fourth Amendment, for example. This ordinance could help to prevent such situations from occurring.
Lewiston has recently acted to close this gap until state law LD 1971 is enacted, thus protecting its citizens (and budget) from potential harm. If Bangor and other municipalities were to do the same, we’d be taking steps to help protect our rights to due process under the Constitution. We’d be using our municipal resources to support our respective municipalities, not for unfunded federally mandated use of our police. We’d be building community from a position of trust, not fear.
Bangor could lead the way for her sister communities in Maine.
Supporting this ordinance will help conserve the budget, will protect residents’ rights, and will help keep our part of Maine a wonderful place to live and work.
Anne Lichtenwalner
Orono
