More than 1,000 rally in #PortlandME against #Trump, #ICE

The protest in Monument Square was just one of many demonstrations across the U.S. on Friday.

by Drew Johnson, January 30, 2026

PORTLAND — "Friday’s protest appeared to be one of the city’s largest in months, dwarfing recent protests that occurred during much warmer weather on hot, sunny summer weekends.

"But it was a frigid January afternoon, and more than 1,000 people turned out anyway. They huddled together, chanting, cheering and holding their signs over the clouds rising from their breaths.

"Real estate was scarce in Monument Square as the demonstrators condemned Trump administration policies, most notably the recent surge of federal immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota and Maine.

"The crowd stretched from One Monument Square to the bus stop across Center Street and lined the opposite side of Congress Street. When they marched, they extended from the square well down Exchange Street. They eventually made it all the way to Commercial Street, with police blocking off roads and forming an escort.

"The protest in Portland was just one of many demonstrations across the U.S. on Friday, which included a general strike where businesses shut down and students walked out of class, from #California, #Arizona and #Colorado, to #Michigan, #Minnesota and Maine.

"More than 200 Maine businesses participated in some capacity, either by closing their doors or donating a portion of profits to groups and organizations helping immigrants. Some businesses lined the square with tables, handing out hot chocolate, coffee and treats to demonstrators. Many area high schoolers — including in Portland and #LewistonME — walked out of or skipped school altogether."

Read more:
https://www.pressherald.com/2026/01/30/more-than-1000-rally-in-portland-against-trump-ice/

Archived version:
https://archive.md/E7tnG

#USPol #MainePol #ICEOutOfMaine #AbolishICE #MaineResists #ResistICE #DefundICE

More than 1,000 rally in #PortlandME against #Trump, #ICE

The protest in Monument Square was just one of many demonstrations across the U.S. on Friday.

by Drew Johnson, January 30, 2026

PORTLAND — "Friday’s protest appeared to be one of the city’s largest in months, dwarfing recent protests that occurred during much warmer weather on hot, sunny summer weekends.

"But it was a frigid January afternoon, and more than 1,000 people turned out anyway. They huddled together, chanting, cheering and holding their signs over the clouds rising from their breaths.

"Real estate was scarce in Monument Square as the demonstrators condemned Trump administration policies, most notably the recent surge of federal immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota and Maine.

"The crowd stretched from One Monument Square to the bus stop across Center Street and lined the opposite side of Congress Street. When they marched, they extended from the square well down Exchange Street. They eventually made it all the way to Commercial Street, with police blocking off roads and forming an escort.

"The protest in Portland was just one of many demonstrations across the U.S. on Friday, which included a general strike where businesses shut down and students walked out of class, from #California, #Arizona and #Colorado, to #Michigan, #Minnesota and Maine.

"More than 200 Maine businesses participated in some capacity, either by closing their doors or donating a portion of profits to groups and organizations helping immigrants. Some businesses lined the square with tables, handing out hot chocolate, coffee and treats to demonstrators. Many area high schoolers — including in Portland and #LewistonME — walked out of or skipped school altogether."

Read more:
https://www.pressherald.com/2026/01/30/more-than-1000-rally-in-portland-against-trump-ice/

Archived version:
https://archive.md/E7tnG

#USPol #MainePol #ICEOutOfMaine #AbolishICE #MaineResists #ResistICE #DefundICE

I wasn't at today's protest, but my buddy was and took some pics!

#MaineResists #ResistICE #ICEOutOfMaine #ICEOut #PortlandME #Maine #USPol #MainePol

I wasn't at today's protest, but my buddy was and took some pics!

#MaineResists #ResistICE #ICEOutOfMaine #ICEOut #PortlandME #Maine #USPol #MainePol

#Maine - Several people arrested after pray-in outside Sen. #SusanCollins' office in #PortlandME

Police said they charged nine people with criminal trespass after they refused to leave and "asked to be arrested"

by Adam Bartow, Updated: 5:54 PM EST Jan 27, 2026

Excerpt: "Police say there were about 50 people protesting and the group was told people would be charged if they did not leave. Police said after several warnings, most people left, but nine stayed 'and asked to be arrested.'

"The First Parish Congregational Church of #GorhamME shared on Facebook, calling it faithful action with 'a large group of #FaithLeaders and people of faith and #conscience, demanding that she use her power to end funding to #ICE and put an end to their campaign of #terror. If you’re on Facebook, please follow #FirstParishCongregationalChurch of Gorham and share widely to amplify this action.'

"Local faith leaders released a statement Tuesday afternoon calling it a #PrayIn.

" 'Masked federal agents using their anger as a tool, causing harm in already vulnerable communities, is the opposite of loving our neighbor,' said Rev. Sara Bartlett, Pastor at Second Congregational Church ( #UCC) in #NorwayME.

"The list of people arrested includes the #pastors at #FirstParishCongregationalChurch in Portland, First Parish Congregational Church of Gorham, #BracketMemorialChurch on #PeaksIsland and the #CongregationalChurch in #CumberlandME."

https://www.wmtw.com/article/several-people-arrested-faith-led-demonstration-susan-collins-office-portland/70162632

#FaithLeaders #WWJD #Maine #USPol #MainePol #ICEOut #ICEOutMaine #AbolishICE

#Maine - Several people arrested after pray-in outside Sen. #SusanCollins' office in #PortlandME

Police said they charged nine people with criminal trespass after they refused to leave and "asked to be arrested"

by Adam Bartow, Updated: 5:54 PM EST Jan 27, 2026

Excerpt: "Police say there were about 50 people protesting and the group was told people would be charged if they did not leave. Police said after several warnings, most people left, but nine stayed 'and asked to be arrested.'

"The First Parish Congregational Church of #GorhamME shared on Facebook, calling it faithful action with 'a large group of #FaithLeaders and people of faith and #conscience, demanding that she use her power to end funding to #ICE and put an end to their campaign of #terror. If you’re on Facebook, please follow #FirstParishCongregationalChurch of Gorham and share widely to amplify this action.'

"Local faith leaders released a statement Tuesday afternoon calling it a #PrayIn.

" 'Masked federal agents using their anger as a tool, causing harm in already vulnerable communities, is the opposite of loving our neighbor,' said Rev. Sara Bartlett, Pastor at Second Congregational Church ( #UCC) in #NorwayME.

"The list of people arrested includes the #pastors at #FirstParishCongregationalChurch in Portland, First Parish Congregational Church of Gorham, #BracketMemorialChurch on #PeaksIsland and the #CongregationalChurch in #CumberlandME."

https://www.wmtw.com/article/several-people-arrested-faith-led-demonstration-susan-collins-office-portland/70162632

#FaithLeaders #WWJD #Maine #USPol #MainePol #ICEOut #ICEOutMaine #AbolishICE

Now, can you start arresting these #ICESucks a-holes? Puh-lease?!!!

Cumberland County Sheriff #KevinJoyce denounces actions by #ICE agents in #Maine

Maine Public | By Patty Wight
Published January 22, 2026

"Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce says ICE officials are telling one story about their operation to arrest 'the worst of the worst' in Maine, but the reality on the ground is entirely different.

"During a press conference Thursday, Joyce confirmed that ICE agents arrested a corrections officer recruit who he described as 'squeaky clean.'

"Joyce declined to name the officer, but he said he underwent a rigorous vetting process, including a background check, before he was hired last year. He said he had no criminal record, was following the rules, and had permission to work in Maine through the spring of 2029.

" 'I guess if you're not a card carrying US citizen, then you must be illegal,' Joyce said. 'Because that's what they told me, is he's illegal. And he's definitely not a criminal. So what part of him is illegal? I don't know.'

"Joyce said roughly a half dozen ICE agents arrested the officer Wednesday night and left his running car unattended on a city street in Portland. He described the arrest as 'bush league' and said law enforcement officers would first need probable cause to make an arrest and would never abandon a vehicle in that way."

https://www.mainepublic.org/courts-and-crime/2026-01-22/cumberland-county-sheriff-kevin-joyce-denounces-actions-by-ice-agents-in-maine

#USPol #MainePol #MPBN #PublicBroadcasting #KeystoneCops #ICEOut #ICEOutMaine #ICEOutForGood #ImmigrantsWelcome #NewAmericans #ICESucks

Now, can you start arresting these #ICESucks a-holes? Puh-lease?!!!

Cumberland County Sheriff #KevinJoyce denounces actions by #ICE agents in #Maine

Maine Public | By Patty Wight
Published January 22, 2026

"Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce says ICE officials are telling one story about their operation to arrest 'the worst of the worst' in Maine, but the reality on the ground is entirely different.

"During a press conference Thursday, Joyce confirmed that ICE agents arrested a corrections officer recruit who he described as 'squeaky clean.'

"Joyce declined to name the officer, but he said he underwent a rigorous vetting process, including a background check, before he was hired last year. He said he had no criminal record, was following the rules, and had permission to work in Maine through the spring of 2029.

" 'I guess if you're not a card carrying US citizen, then you must be illegal,' Joyce said. 'Because that's what they told me, is he's illegal. And he's definitely not a criminal. So what part of him is illegal? I don't know.'

"Joyce said roughly a half dozen ICE agents arrested the officer Wednesday night and left his running car unattended on a city street in Portland. He described the arrest as 'bush league' and said law enforcement officers would first need probable cause to make an arrest and would never abandon a vehicle in that way."

https://www.mainepublic.org/courts-and-crime/2026-01-22/cumberland-county-sheriff-kevin-joyce-denounces-actions-by-ice-agents-in-maine

#USPol #MainePol #MPBN #PublicBroadcasting #KeystoneCops #ICEOut #ICEOutMaine #ICEOutForGood #ImmigrantsWelcome #NewAmericans #ICESucks

When it comes to standing up to #Trump, I laud #Maine Governor #JanetMills. But when it comes to #Wabanaki #Sovereignty, building wind terminals on undeveloped islands (#SearsIsland / #Wahsumkik ), destroying untouched forests to supply #WesternMass with electricity, or building highways through farmland (#MDOT), we definitely DO NOT always see eye-to-eye!

Governor opposed to latest change to #SettlementAct backed by #WabanakiNations

by Emma Davis
Wed, April 9, 2025

"Discussion of legislation to afford the Wabanaki Nations more authority over their land revealed that Gov. Janet Mills does not support the change, presenting a steep path for a plan that otherwise has bipartisan support.

"After not testifying during the public hearing last week, the governor’s counsel, Jerry Reid, told the Judiciary Committee on Wednesday that Mills’ concerns stem from the inability to predict the future needs of state government, an issue also raised in written testimony from the #MaineDepartmentOfTransportation, which was made available after the hearing.

"When pressed by committee members, Reid said he doesn’t have a specific example of an infrastructure project that would warrant seizing tribal land but that, 'We need to write the law mindful of the potential for problems.'

"While Reid and Wabanaki leaders noted that progress has and continues to be made to improve the relationship between the state and Wabanaki Nations, Reid added, 'the fact that we have such a good relationship right now might not always be true.'

"The U.S. government can seize private property for public use, a principle known as eminent domain, however that authority is restricted by the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which requires just compensation for land taken, as well as some federal laws.

"The 1834 federal Indian Nonintercourse Act prohibited land transactions with tribes unless authorized by Congress. However, the 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act specified that that federal law was not applicable to the #HoultonBand of #Maliseet Indians, the #PassamaquoddyTribe and the #PenobscotNation.

"This is the act that has overall resulted in the Tribes being treated more akin to #municipalities than #SovereignNations. So far, sweeping changes to the act have failed due to opposition from Mills, but the governor, lawmakers and Wabanaki leaders have successfully made some targeted adjustments, including expanding tribal authority to prosecute crimes last year.

"The legislation being considered this session, #LD958, would amend the Settlement Act to prohibit the state from exercising eminent domain on trust and reservation land, which is protected under federal law, though fee land — or private property for which the owner owns the title — would still be subject to the state taking.

"The bill would also amend the 2023 #MikmaqNationRestorationAct to make this change for the Mi’kmaq Nation, which wasn’t included in the Settlement Act.

"On Tuesday, the Taxation Committee unanimously voted in favor of a bill to ensure equal tax treatment among all of the Wabanaki Nations, which Mills supports. #LD982 would provide the #MikmaqNation the same rights to sales tax revenue on its land that the other three tribes of the Wabanaki Nations were granted in 2022 through an amendment to the Settlement Act.
State hasn’t exercised this authority in decades, but argues it’s necessary

"The state hasn’t exercised eminent domain over #TribalLands since the #SettlementAct. However, testimony from Wabanaki leaders and state government officials underscore that it is a possibility."

Source:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/governor-opposed-latest-change-settlement-185134791.html

#MaineSettlementAct #EminentDomain #LandTheft #FirstNations #WabanakiConfederancy
#MaineFirstNations #Maine #MainePol
#NativeAmericanNews #TribalSovereignty #SaveSmilingHillFarm #SaveTheForests #MainePol

When it comes to standing up to #Trump, I laud #Maine Governor #JanetMills. But when it comes to #Wabanaki #Sovereignty, building wind terminals on undeveloped islands (#SearsIsland / #Wahsumkik ), destroying untouched forests to supply #WesternMass with electricity, or building highways through farmland (#MDOT), we definitely DO NOT always see eye-to-eye!

Governor opposed to latest change to #SettlementAct backed by #WabanakiNations

by Emma Davis
Wed, April 9, 2025

"Discussion of legislation to afford the Wabanaki Nations more authority over their land revealed that Gov. Janet Mills does not support the change, presenting a steep path for a plan that otherwise has bipartisan support.

"After not testifying during the public hearing last week, the governor’s counsel, Jerry Reid, told the Judiciary Committee on Wednesday that Mills’ concerns stem from the inability to predict the future needs of state government, an issue also raised in written testimony from the #MaineDepartmentOfTransportation, which was made available after the hearing.

"When pressed by committee members, Reid said he doesn’t have a specific example of an infrastructure project that would warrant seizing tribal land but that, 'We need to write the law mindful of the potential for problems.'

"While Reid and Wabanaki leaders noted that progress has and continues to be made to improve the relationship between the state and Wabanaki Nations, Reid added, 'the fact that we have such a good relationship right now might not always be true.'

"The U.S. government can seize private property for public use, a principle known as eminent domain, however that authority is restricted by the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which requires just compensation for land taken, as well as some federal laws.

"The 1834 federal Indian Nonintercourse Act prohibited land transactions with tribes unless authorized by Congress. However, the 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act specified that that federal law was not applicable to the #HoultonBand of #Maliseet Indians, the #PassamaquoddyTribe and the #PenobscotNation.

"This is the act that has overall resulted in the Tribes being treated more akin to #municipalities than #SovereignNations. So far, sweeping changes to the act have failed due to opposition from Mills, but the governor, lawmakers and Wabanaki leaders have successfully made some targeted adjustments, including expanding tribal authority to prosecute crimes last year.

"The legislation being considered this session, #LD958, would amend the Settlement Act to prohibit the state from exercising eminent domain on trust and reservation land, which is protected under federal law, though fee land — or private property for which the owner owns the title — would still be subject to the state taking.

"The bill would also amend the 2023 #MikmaqNationRestorationAct to make this change for the Mi’kmaq Nation, which wasn’t included in the Settlement Act.

"On Tuesday, the Taxation Committee unanimously voted in favor of a bill to ensure equal tax treatment among all of the Wabanaki Nations, which Mills supports. #LD982 would provide the #MikmaqNation the same rights to sales tax revenue on its land that the other three tribes of the Wabanaki Nations were granted in 2022 through an amendment to the Settlement Act.
State hasn’t exercised this authority in decades, but argues it’s necessary

"The state hasn’t exercised eminent domain over #TribalLands since the #SettlementAct. However, testimony from Wabanaki leaders and state government officials underscore that it is a possibility."

Source:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/governor-opposed-latest-change-settlement-185134791.html

#MaineSettlementAct #EminentDomain #LandTheft #FirstNations #WabanakiConfederancy
#MaineFirstNations #Maine #MainePol
#NativeAmericanNews #TribalSovereignty #SaveSmilingHillFarm #SaveTheForests #MainePol