Good morning. I apologize for the error on Monday’s newsletter, where I neglected to update the heading for the post. Sorry for any confusion.
ICE is now in Maine in several cities. This 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 requests we call our senators to tell them to vote “no” on even more funding for DHS and ICE, especially in light of the recent murders of Americans by ICE agents in Minneapolis.
Two new actions from Hancock County Democrats:
Action 200: NO MORE ICE (1/26)
Action 201: MAINE legislation 1/26-1/30 (1/26)
More Hancock County Democrats actions are found here.
Also, a new action from the Bold Coast Civic Alliance, (1/26) on calling for elected Republicans to stop the insanity, blocking increased funding for ICE and CBP, and other items.
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 in the
Bangor Area
*****
Tuesdays
Weekly Vigil at the Federal Building in Bangor 11:00 am
*****
TODAY!
Wednesdays
Weekly Orono Vigil in the town center,
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.
*****
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.
*****
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.
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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TOMORROW EVENING
Jordan Wood in Orono
Town Hall at the
Orono Public Library
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
Candlelight Vigil for
Alex Pretti, RN,
and all others harmed by ICE
Bangor, Friday, 1/30
Please join National Nurses United for a candlelight vigil for Alex Pretti, RN and all others harmed by ICE during their week of action.
This Friday, 1/30/26, at 5pm in front of the Federal Building in Bangor.
Food AND Medicine
Annual Meeting
THIS 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
NEXT NO KINGS PROTEST
MARCH 28, 2026
In 2025, millions of Americans came together in nonviolent protest to oppose the growing authoritarian actions of the Trump administration and affirm that this nation belongs to its people, not to kings. Since then, people have continued to rise up nonviolently against the Trump administration’s ongoing brutality and abuses of power, including the latest escalation in Minnesota. The No Kings Coalition is activating an immediate and ongoing nationwide digital organizing effort leading up to our next mass mobilization on March 28, including a flagship event in the Twin Cities.
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.
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
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!
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!
Please donate! 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 Wednesday January 28th: Keep Calling Collins and King to Stop Extra ICE Funding + Call 3 Friends As Well + Testify on Maine’s LD 2106
Good Morning Folks, it’s Wednesday, and extra funding for ICE goes to the Senate for a vote possibly tomorrow. Faith leaders, asking for Collins to stop further ICE funding got arrested at a Collins office sit in yesterday in Portland. For more on this see the attached article below. Maine Calling will be hosting discussion about the ICE invasion in Maine all this week.
Top Action to Take Today: (I am repeating yesterday’s action because this is so immediate and important)
If you haven’t done this, do this first: Contact Senators Collins and King and ask that they vote against more funding for ICE in the Continuing Resolution Bill to be voted on in the Senate this week. DHS (Department of Homeland Security) already got billions of dollars in the “Big” bill passed this summer. Funding for DHS can get stripped out of the Continuing Resolution Bill and acted on separately so voting no doesn’t mean another complete government shutdown. 5calls.org has a demand to defund ICE entirely.
If you have done the above, please contact three friends who might be willing to hop on the phone or email and do the same. Ask them to contact like minded friends of theirs. Yesterday the mailboxes of Angus King in both DC and Augusta were FULL and couldn’t take any more messages. I expect most of these calls were in favor of stopping ICE and DHS funding in this appropriation.
Finally, if you have done that – try this from Chop Wood, Carry Water – “Let’s call John Thune in his capacity as Senate Majority Leader. (202) 224-2321 or (605) 225-8823 or (605) 334-9596 or (605) 348-7551. Obviously the DC number is best but if you can’t get through do use one of the others! We can say something like: “My name is ______ and I’m an American citizen from [state]. I’m calling Senator Thune in his capacity as Senate Majority Leader to ask him to please strip the DHS funding bill out and make it a standalone bill so the other appropriations bills can be passed and the DHS bill can be reworked.”
For “More Actions Today if You Have the Bandwidth” from Emanuel’s Daily Call to Action (1/28), click here.
For the full text of Tuesday’s (1/27) 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!
