#Maine pauses new federal license plates amid #ICE activity concerns

According to Secretary of State #ShennaBellows, the BMV recently received a request from U.S. Customs and Border Protection for undercover Maine plates.

By WMTW, Published: Jan. 18, 2026 at 3:18 AM EST

AUGUSTA, Maine (WMTW) - "Maine’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles is hitting pause on issuing new confidential license plates to federal agencies.

"According to Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, the BMV recently received a request from U.S. Customs and Border Protection for undercover Maine plates. That request comes as rumors swirl about possible U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Maine and amid concerns about federal law enforcement activity in other states.

"Bellows says the state has not revoked any plates already in use but has paused new ones until officials can be assured Maine plates won’t be used for what she calls '#LawlessPurposes.'

"Read Bellows full statement below:

" 'The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles received a request for confidential, undercover Maine license plates from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. These requests in light of rumors of ICE deployment to Maine and abuses of power in #Minnesota and elsewhere raise concerns. We have not revoked existing plates but have paused issuance of new plates. We want to be assured that Maine plates will not be used for lawless purposes.' "

https://www.wabi.tv/2026/01/18/maine-pauses-new-federal-license-plates-amid-ice-activity-concerns/

#MaineResists #ResistICE #USPol #MainePol #ICEOut #ICEOutForGood #AbusesOfPower #Lawlessness #Authoritarianism #CBP