Regarding the Presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Maine

• By: Anna Black
• On: 01/23/2026 12:52:31
• In: Workforce

• Review the September 2025 webinar titled Employment Compliance When Hiring and Supporting New Mainers, accessible here: Employment Compliance When Hiring and Supporting New Mainers 
  • This webinar was part of MHCA's series aimed at addressing workforce shortages by increasing the hiring of new Mainers and other linguistic minorities.  
  • Note: This webinar was recorded in September 2025 and may not address more current ICE related enforcement. 
     
• Create a plan prior to ICE visits on how to manage an ICE visit. The plan may include designating a person to respond to the immediate contact with federal agents; a protocol for identifying who within the agency will be notified should ICE come to the center; clearly identifying public locations within the center; a plan to ensure the safety of residents and staff, keeping in mind infection control and HIPPA; etc.  
  Many organizations offer useful checklists to help facilities prepare, including:
  • The National Immigration Law Center's EmployerGuide-NELP-NILC-2017-07.pdf  and they also offer a Health Care Providers and Immigrant Enforcement: Know Your Rights, Know Your Patients' Rights' pdf. 
  • ALCU of Maine's has a check list guide for preparing, found here 2025 March_Know Your Rights Checklist for Health Centery
     
• Review your I-9 and compliance documents-- ensuring that staff documentation is well-organized and readily accessible.
   
• Ensure there are staffing plans in place to manage callouts or staffing shortages as staff or their family may be directly or indirectly impacted by federal enforcement practices in various communities around the state. 
   
• Direct resource information to all staff, so they're prepared, educated, and understand their legal rights and know how to plan accordingly should they or a family member be impacted.  

•  The American Civil Liberties Union 
  • Know Your Rights Training: If ICE is at Your Door, Protecting Your Privacy, and Protesting Safely - ACLU of Maine 
• National Immigrant Justice Center 
  • Know Your Rights: What to Do if You or a Loved One is Detained - National Immigrant Justice Center 
• Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project  
  • Know Your Rights — ILAP Maine 
• National Immigration Law Center 
  • How to Find a Loved One After a U.S. Immigration Arrest - NILC
     
• Ensure residents have the ability to talk through fears they may have, recognizing there is anxiety among your residents in addition to staff. 

• Ensuring the safety and security of staff and residents 
• Do not obstruct, lie, interfere, or provide false information 
• Before allowing any staff member to grant consent or access, ensure the proper administrative staff are contacted.