Good morning. ICE is now in Maine in several cities. The newsletter will be sporadic for the next few weeks, so be sure to check out our Blue Sky and Instagram accounts for current info.
Meanwhile, I will post links to resources on our rights that pertain to these brutal and illegal actions.
Following this newsletter is today’s Emanuel’s Daily Action Email from Augusta – the daily action along with a link to his great list of important actions and information. Today’s Top Action discusses the House “compromise” funding bill and requests we call our House reps to have them vote “no.”
Three new actions from Hancock County Democrats: Action 197 – Walkout on January 20th (TODAY!) (1/15), Action 198 – Defund ICE (1/16), and Action 199 – Maine legislation 1/19-1/23 (1/18). More Hancock County Democrats actions are found here.
Also, a new action from the Bold Coast Civic Alliance, (1/22) and (1/16), on how to stop ICE and keep ICE out of Maine. More BCCA actions here.
A lot of research goes into these additional actions, so be sure to read them!
And THANK YOU to supporters who have been donating to our ActBlue fund! Planning events and maintaining the website and email list take money, so these donations are appreciated!
Current News:
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Weekly vigils are happening here in the Bangor area!
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Tuesdays
Weekly Vigil at the Federal Building in Bangor 11:00 am
(This Tuesday Protest celebrated one year and was mentioned in Robert Hubble’s Substack on 1/7/2026!)
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Wednesdays
Weekly Orono Vigil in the town center,
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.
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TODAY!
NEW WEEKLY THURSDAY VIGIL
At the Federal Building in Bangor
3:00 p.m.
Based on the success of the recent protest, this is now a regular vigil every Thursday to keep Trump’s lawlessness and outrages before the public.
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Fridays
Bangor Visibility Brigade
The week finishes with two highway overpass actions! There is the Visibility Brigade on the Essex Street I-95 overpass at the new time of 3:00 p.m. Learn more here. Tell them you read about it here!
ICE IN MAINE RESOURCES
From Indivisible Cumberland County, we have the following:
| The ICE surge is now happening in Maine What do we know? We understand that the ICE operation in Maine will be an extension of what’s happening in Minnesota, where the administration has been targeting Somali immigrant communities and refugee communities in furtherance of a fraud narrative. We expect an enforcement operation will heavily focus on Lewiston in particular, as well as Portland, but that does not mean it will be contained to those areas. We understand some immigration agents have already arrived in Maine, and we are expecting many more in the coming days. The potential focus on Somali immigrants does not mean other immigrant communities in Maine won’t be targeted. And the potential focus on refugees does not mean people with other immigration statuses won’t be targeted. Partners in Minnesota report that while there is a focus on refugees and Somali immigrants, people are being profiled and indiscriminately targeted while out in public. What information should I share on social media? Please do not share information that will cause needless fear for immigrant communities at this already-stressful time. As always, only share verified, accurate information. ILAP, the ACLU of Maine, and the Refugee and Human Rights Clinic at the University of Maine School of Law have put together this resource if you are looking for accurate Know Your Rights and other materials to share with your networks: What rights do immigrants have?All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. These include: –The right not to open the door to your home to ICE, unless the agent has a signed judicial warrant. –The right to ask an ICE officer, “Am I free to leave?” –The right not to answer an immigration officer’s questions and to tell an immigration officer, “I choose not to say anything.”Importantly, even if someone exercises their rights, ICE may ignore them and still detain them. If ICE tries to detain someone, they should do their best to stay calm and not run away or resist arrest. Learn more What do I do if I see immigration enforcement officers? Make sure you know your rights regarding filming an ICE arrest or encounter: –Filming Immigration Enforcement in the U.S. -Report what you’ve seen to Maine’s ICE Watch Hotline at 207-544-9989. –Complete this form if you believe an immigration officer has violated someone’s rights. How do I make sure my business, school, or place of worship is prepared for ICE enforcement? Learn more here. What do I do if someone in my community is detained? -What if my loved one is detained? Know Your Rights: What to Do if You or a Loved One is Detained. -How can I find my detained loved one? Track detained person’s location.What if my loved one is detained at Cumberland County Jail (ME), Two Bridges Regional Jail (ME), or Strafford County Correctional Facility (NH)? Complete this form. -What if my loved one is detained at Plymouth County Correctional Facility (MA) or Wyatt Detention Facility (RI)? Complete this form. -How can I or someone I know who is detained obtain financial help (bail, bond, commissary, etc.)? Visit the Maine Immigrant Resource Hub. Based on what we know now, how can communities respond? –Support Lewiston: On-the ground support will be needed in Lewiston. Make sure to obtain permits if needed for protests and take all steps to comply with local laws and remain peaceful. Use visuals and photos and amplify on social media and to the press. However, please be cautious about sharing photos of people’s faces without consent and take other steps necessary to protect each other. –Document ICE Activity: Minneapolis organizations report that in addition to enforcement against refugees and Somali immigrants, other people on the street are being profiled and indiscriminately targeted. Strategize on ways to help keep people safe. ***Make sure you know your rights regarding filming an ICE arrest or encounter: Filming Immigration Enforcement in the U.S. ***Report what you’ve seen to Maine’s ICE Watch Hotline at 207-544-9989. ***Complete this form if you believe an immigration officer has violated someone’s rights. ***Share footage with the press as is strategic and consider the consent and safety of people you’re filming. Encourage Maine Businesses Not to Serve or Otherwise Welcome Immigration Agents: Talk to businesses in Lewiston, Portland, and beyond and encourage them not to serve ICE agents and to post signs of solidarity with immigrant communities in business windows. Take care not to draw particular attention to places where noncitizens might be. Organize Donations to the Maine Solidarity Fund: https://www.mainesolidarity.org/ Maine Home for All Campaign: Last year ILAP launched the Maine Home for All campaign to spread a clear message that everyone deserves to feel safe, be with family, and build the life they want here in Maine. Unbranded graphics for this campaign are available here to be used in the days ahead. Solidarity signs from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center are available here. Print and Distribute KYR Information: -Know Your Rights materials can be posted in public places and left at businesses and other locations with permission. Take care not to draw particular attention to places where noncitizens might be. -Maine ICE Watch Hotline multilingual small flyers, large poster, small poster ***Know Your Rights summaries: *****If ICE Stops You In Public *****If ICE Comes to Your Home *****Red Cards here (Note: community organizers should print cards themselves or use a local print shop) *****Know Your Rights Filming ICE here |
ACLU of Maine
Know Your Rights:
Customs and Border Patrol and the 100-Mile Border Zone
The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects people from random and arbitrary stops and searches. But U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which includes U.S. Border Patrol, operates broadly in border areas.
The agency claims authority to conduct operations as far as 100 miles from the U.S. border, which includes international land borders and the U.S. coastline. All of Maine is within this 100-mile zone, and CBP claims the power to conduct patrols and operations across the entire state. However, you still have rights, and there are important legal limitations on what CBP can do.
Read more here in the ACLU of Maine site.
TOMORROW IN
PORTLAND, MAINE
Friday, 1/23:
National Day of Solidarity 💪
Friday, January 23 is an ICE Out For Good National Day of Solidarity led by Minnesota organizers and national allies from labor, grassroots organizing, mobilization campaigns, advocacy movements, and everyday Americans. In Minnesota, activists are coming together for a statewide economic pause and day of collective action. Don’t go into work or school (except for emergency services). Don’t shop or engage in consumer spending. This is an opportunity to flex Minnesota’s unified opposition to ICE and their economic power. If you live outside of Minnesota, take action on January 23 in solidarity with Minnesota and all communities being terrorized by ICE.
Find an event near you here. In Maine, there are two events: this one in Portland on Friday, 1/23, and another one in Lewiston on Saturday, 1/24. It will be VERY COLD in Maine this weekend, so please dress accordingly! And don’t forget your hand warmers!
SATURDAY, 1/24
Lewiston, Maine
FROM MoveOn:
We have two major tools to rein in Trump and ICE. First, funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which houses ICE, runs out on January 30. Republicans in Congress need Democratic votes to fund ICE—since appropriations bills must clear 60 votes in the Senate.
Democrats have real leverage. They must use it. We cannot allow them to squander it—again. Not now.
Second, we must keep taking to the streets—loudly, urgently, and peacefully—to demand that ICE get out of our communities, and we need leaders in every corner of American society to join and quickly grow our movement.
Governor Mills’ Statement on Potential Federal Law Enforcement Operations in Maine
On January 14th, Governor Mills issued a statement concerning ICE activity here in Maine. Click here to see her statement on Vimeo.
Upcoming Events:
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Come See the New Dunlap for Congress Office!
TOMORROW
Friday, 1/23/26
“Join us for the opening of our campaign office! Come meet Matt Dunlap, connect with fellow volunteers and supporters, and help us kick off the campaign by signing petitions and getting involved. We’ll share campaign updates, talk about how you can help, and start building momentum together. Hope to see you there!”
Register here on the Mobilize site.
Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
Event begins: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm;
Location: Matt Dunlap For Congress Offices
275 Main Street, ME 04468
Between Center Street and Middle Street
Here We Go Map
Jordan Wood in Orono
Town Hall at the
Orono Public Library
Next Thursday, 1/29/26
About this event
Orono! Democratic House Candidate Jordan Wood is coming to meet you. We’ll be at the Orono Public Library. Come out to meet Jordan, learn why he’s the strongest candidate to defeat Paul LePage, and hear about what his plans as your next Congressman: sweeping campaign finance reform, passing the Ultra-Millionaire Wealth Tax, enacting universal childcare and addressing the affordability crisis head on.
Bring your friends and family!
Register here on the Mobilize site.
Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026
Event begins: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm;
Doors Open: 5:15 pm
Location: Orono Public Library
39 Pine St Orono, ME 04473
Here We Go Map
Food AND Medicine
Annual Meeting
Saturday, 1/31/26
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
with lunch at noon
(lots of fun!)
FAM’s 2026 Annual Meeting, in person is best, but you can also Zoom if needed; the Zoom link will be shared prior to the meeting to those who register for the Zoom. RSVP is required to attend. FAM members will have an opportunity to elect new board members and vote on proposed bylaws changes.
FAM membership is NOT required to attend, so if you aren’t a member but want to get to know us better, come to the meeting. We love to meet new people!
The program will start promptly at 9am, and we’ll have lunch together at Noon.
Location: The Food AND Medicine Solidarity Center in Brewer
20 Ivers Street
Brewer, ME 04412
Other News:
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Write a letter to the editor!
Letters to the editor are published regularly in the local newspapers from Mainers who support the brutal tactics of the authoritarian Trump regime. Write a letter to set the record straight. Click the button to go to the Bangor Daily News “Submit a letter or column” page, the Portland Press Herald “Letters to the editor” page, and the “Letter to the Editor” page at the Ellsworth American.
CBS News and the
60 Minutes CECOT Story
In case you missed it, we want to share with you the CBS 60 Minutes story that was to have aired on December 21st, 2025. The Trump-friendly CBS News editor-in-chief axed this story that was about the administration sending Venezuelans to the maximum security prison in El Salvador. It was not broadcast in our country, but was available in Canada and was available on the Internet Archives site here, but has since been removed from that specific location. It is still available here, also on the Internet Archives.
Please see issue no. 5 in the BCCA action (12/29) for more details on the state of CBS News and their collaboration with the Trump administration. This Wikipedia article also has good information, including background discussing the Paramount-Skydance merger.
Join Indivisible Bangor!
Do you want to become more involved? Would you like to help with the website and communications? How about helping to organize events, such as rallies and visibilty actions or be a peacekeeper? Or do you just want to keep up with what we’re doing? Sign up to volunteer with Indivisible Bangor! Your level of involvement is up to you!
Weekly member meetings are on Zoom with in-person meetings on the first Wednesday of the month. Please click the link below to sign up and we’ll help you with the process of becoming a member of Indivisible Bangor!
New members, and current members, too, are invited to join one of our monthly Zoom informational meetings, which will resume after the holidays!
Donate to a Food Bank or Pantry
The shutdown is over, but the need is not. There are still cuts to programs that help people with food and other needs.
Please DONATE to a local food pantry- food, personal items, and even cash. Faith Linking in Action maintains a database of all food pantries and free meals– organized by both location and day of the week– in the Bangor area. Check it out here.
Also, ActivateMaine has created a site, SNAP Into Action: “a statewide effort to help those who are affected by the freezing of benefits due to the Government shut down.” If you know of any food drives that are happening, please visit this site to add it to the database!
The Maine ICE Watch Hotline
The purpose of the hotline is to protect immigrant families by providing accurate, real-time information about ICE and Border Patrol activity and connect Maine families to resources and support services during a time of heightened enforcement and targeting of immigrants and refugees.
Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition ICE Watch Resource Hub.
Read more about it here in this Newscenter Maine article.
| Other Ways to Take Action (Courtesy of Indivisible Cumberland County: Maine’s ICE Watch Hotline Training: Get trained to field, verify, and document potential community ICE sightings and provide trusted, reliable information on ICE activity to immigrant communities. Action Alert on LD 1917: Contact Governor Mills and tell her to sign into law this bill to protect Maine’s immigrant communities, workforce, public safety, and future! Donate to the Maine Solidarity Fund: Fund pools resources from across communities into a shared fund we can draw from immediately when urgent needs arise. NO I.C.E. for Maine: Learn more about this effort to reign in ICE. |
Make Some Calls!
It’s mentioned a few times in these newsletters about calling your representatives in Washington, D.C. It’s one of the most important things we can do and it’s so easy!
Write Some Emails!
If you are more comfortable with sending emails to our Maine congressional delegation in Washington, click the links/buttons. This is a good option if you have lengthy comments or questions.
We are on Blue Sky, Instagram, and Facebook!
Follow us! Invite your friends! Comment! You’ll be glad you did!
We have an easy way to donate to Indivisible Bangor. Drop off your returnable bottles and cans to Ohio Street Redemption in Bangor and tell them to put it on the account of Indivisible Bangor. They’ll add the money to our kitty, mail out a regular check, and the money goes to our bank account to help with our expenses! You can find them here!
****Be sure the attendant writes down “Indivisible Bangor” because several donations have not been credited. Thank you!****
And you can donate here, too! Donations help pay for supplies, website, outreach, and to fund the many upcoming actions in Maine.
Thank you for all you do! – George and Indivisible Bangor
Emanuel’s Daily Call to Action:
Action Thursday, January 22nd: For the Heart + Call or Write Pingree or Golden to Vote NO on Funding Bill for ICE in the House
Good Morning Folks, whatever you may be feeling at the moment, fight, flight or freeze, use the energy of that emotion to go inward first and find balance, and then take one wise action for the day. This is a marathon not a sprint. If you think your participation doesn’t make a difference remember the 3.5% rule. (See below for links to more info. on this research.) Ps. As our list of action grows, Gmail may shorten the email. You can ask it to include the whole email, but check to make sure you are getting the full email.
Top Action to Take Today:
- Call Pingree and Golden today to vote NO on The House “compromise” funding bill which includes more funding for ICE. The NPNA (National Partnership for New Americans) describe this bill “this package fails to establish sufficient safeguards to prevent ongoing violations by ICE and CBP. Although it includes more oversight measures than Republicans would otherwise have accepted, it remains a compromise that falls far short of meaningful accountability and fails to meet the demands of our people.” For an email or call script go here. The vote on this funding package is likely TODAY!
For “More Actions Today if You Have the Bandwidth” and “For the Heart” from Emanuel’s Daily Call to Action (1/22), click here.
For the full text of yesterday’s (1/21) Daily, click here.
With great appreciation for all the engagement everywhere!
As always, throw a little sand in their gears!
~~Emanuel
It’s a piece of cake to email or call with these links!
The names of our senators and representatives listed below are links that go right to their official congressional contact form pages. The telephone numbers are links that should open your phone app to call that number. It’s that easy!
Senator Angus King
DC: (202) 224-5344
Augusta: (207) 622-8292
Senator Susan Collins
DC: (202) 224-2523
Augusta: (207) 622-8414
Bangor: (207) 945-0417
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree
DC: (202) 225-6116
Portland: (207) 774-5019
Waterville: (207) 873-5713
Congressman Jared Golden
DC: (202) 225-6306
Bangor: (207) 249-7400
Caribou: (207) 492-6009
Lewiston: (207) 241-6767
Find your State Representative:
By name: Here
By district: Here
Find your State Senator:
By name: Here
By district: Here
Our government in Augusta:
Governor Janet Mills
Email Governor Mills
Call (207) 287-3531
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows
Contact Secretary Bellows
Call (207)626-8400
Attorney General Aaron M. Frey
Contact Mr. Frey
Call (207) 626-8800
Questions or comments? Contact George!
