Immigration (Detention)

LD 1656 prohibits state and local government entities (including law enforcement agencies, counties, and municipalities) from adopting policies that block cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The bill specifically bans rules or practices that prevent officials from asking about immigration status, sharing immigration status information with federal agencies, or maintaining records related to immigration status. It defines key terms like "immigration detainer" (a federal request to hold someone) and clarifies that local entities must comply with federal immigration law requests. This bill directly affects all Maine state and local government agencies and law enforcement officials who interact with federal immigration authorities.

This bill prohibits Maine state and local law enforcement agencies from using public resources to investigate immigration status, detain individuals based on federal "hold requests," or share personal information about detainees. It allows detention only for specific federal immigration crimes (like re-entry after deportation) detected during unrelated law enforcement activities, requiring court orders for transfers to federal authorities. The law applies to all local police departments, sheriff's offices, and correctional facilities, and protects agencies acting in good faith compliance from legal liability. It clarifies that law enforcement cannot assist federal immigration enforcement or share facilities with immigration authorities without legal authorization.