An Act to Enhance Public Safety in Maine by Defining the Relationship Between Local and Federal Law Enforcement
Summary
LD1259 would prohibit Maine law enforcement agencies and individual law enforcement officers from entering into any written or oral contract, agreement, or arrangement that grants federal immigration enforcement authority or powers. The bill specifically bars agreements under 8 U.S.C. § 1357(g), the federal provision that allows state or local officers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions through formal agreements with federal authorities.
The measure defines “law enforcement agency” and “law enforcement officer” by reference to existing Maine law, but otherwise does not create a new enforcement program. Its practical effect would be to prevent Maine police and sheriffs from formally deputizing or contracting with federal immigration authorities to carry out immigration enforcement duties.
Impact
LD1259 would affect state and local law enforcement agencies by limiting their ability to participate in federal immigration enforcement agreements, including 287(g)-type arrangements under federal law. It would not appear to change criminal penalties or general policing powers, but it would restrict the scope of authority that Maine agencies and officers may assume through contracts or agreements with federal immigration authorities. The bill would likely be relevant to municipal police departments, county sheriffs, and any state or local entity considering cooperation agreements with federal immigration enforcement.
Sentiment
Based on the bill title and text, the bill appears framed as a public safety measure, but the available record contains no committee transcript or vote history showing debate, support, or opposition. As a result, there is no documented legislative sentiment in the provided materials beyond the bill’s stated purpose and its focus on limiting local participation in federal immigration enforcement.
Contention
The central point of contention would likely be whether Maine law enforcement should be allowed to enter into formal immigration-enforcement partnerships with federal authorities. Supporters would likely view the bill as clarifying the boundary between local policing and federal immigration enforcement, while opponents could argue that it reduces cooperation with federal agencies and may limit local flexibility in addressing immigration-related public safety concerns. No specific objections or proponents are documented in the provided materials.
An Act to Protect Workers in This State by Clarifying the Relationship of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies with Federal Immigration Authorities
Relating to agreements between local law enforcement agencies and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enforce federal immigration law.
A resolution to encourage county sheriffs and local law enforcement agencies throughout the state of Michigan to enter into 287(g)agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enhance immigration enforcement and public safety.
Including federal law enforcement officers in the definition of law enforcement officer that is used in certain crimes and traffic provisions and clarifying that enforcement of a federal law is covered under the tort claims act.
Creating the crime of unlawful approach of a first responder and providing penalties therefore, requiring traffic laws that apply to local and state law enforcement to apply to federal law enforcement; including federal law enforcement in the definitions used in the crime of interference with law enforcement; including buildings owned by the United States in the crime of interference with the conduct of public business of public buildings; including enforcement of federal laws and executive orders in the exceptions from liability in the tort claims act, relating to the enforcement of detainers issued by the United States immigration and customs enforcement by a county sheriff operating a county jail; requiring municipal insurance pools to provide coverage of law enforcement agencies enforcing federal law; requiring the state to pay certain judgements in federal civil actions and provide legal representation by the attorney general, exempting section 287(g) federal immigration agreements from certain provisions of the interlocal cooperation act.
Providing for extent of cooperation between certain law enforcement agencies and Federal immigration authorities; prohibiting certain acts by law enforcement agencies; and providing for policies limiting assistance with immigration enforcement.