DoomsdaysCW#PortlandME - #Protesters call on Portland City Council to take stronger stand against #ICE
by Jamie Azulay, August 21, 2025
PORTLAND, Maine — "The Portland City Council is facing pressure from protesters to take a stronger stand against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
"During an executive session on Wednesday, the council decided to stand by its approval of a federal transportation grant for the Portland International Jetport.
"Councilors noted, however, that they will not impose the immigration enforcement conditions that come with that federal funding.
"Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent letters in April that said states must cooperate on immigration efforts and eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion [#DEI] programs or risk losing funds.
"Maine was among 20 states that sued over Duffy's threat to cut off transportation funding. In June, a federal judge blocked transportation officials from carrying out that threat before the lawsuit is fully resolved.
"Even though the Portland City Council said it will not agree to Duffy's terms, protesters gathered outside City Hall on Thursday and called for more to be done. Two state representatives were among those gathered at the City Hall demonstration.
" 'I'm hoping to hear that the city will not, under any circumstances, cooperate with ICE,' said Rep. #GraysonLookner, a Democrat from Portland.
" 'We know what the federal government is going to do, and if it plays out in the courts, who knows what they'll do,' said Rep. #RafaelMacias, a Democrat from Topsham.
"Portland Mayor #MarkDion said during a press conference that the city did not agree to any conditions involving ICE in order to receive the federal transportation funding for the Jetport.
" 'We did not consent, capitulate or embrace any condition for this money that would allow ICE to be entangled with city affairs. Period,' Dion said.
" 'Somewhere along the line, this has become an ICE contract (but) it's not. This is a grant award for infrastructure improvements at the airport.'
"Dion also said the amount of the grant is $18 million, not $21 million as has been reported."
#MaineResists #ResistICE #Maine #USPol #PortlandJetport #TrumpIsABully