A concern over local law enforcement assisting federal officials in apprehending illegal immigrants was brought forward to county commissioners May 6. Bremen resident Debra Elliott and Bob Conlin of Wiscasset issued concerns about local law enforcement assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Department of Homeland Security potentially issuing an administrative warrant seeking assistance in capturing illegal immigrants.

There are two kinds of warrants: administrative and judicial. Judicial warrants are signed by a judge or magistrate. Administrative warrants are signed by federal agencies seeking assistance in apprehending an illegal immigrant. "I'm worried about local law enforcement working with federal agencies," Elliot said. "I talked to Carrie (Kipfer, county administrator) about it, but wanted to come here and discuss it face-to-face." 

Conlin wanted to know who set county policy regarding assistance to federal immigration agents. Sheriff Todd Brackett told the two his law enforcement role is clear. "I don't have the authority to enforce administrative warrants. I can only enforce Maine laws, but if the immigrant already has a documented felony, our department will provide assistance."

Both Conlin and Elliott have participated in several Midcoast protests regarding President Trump's first 100 days. Conlin is also concerned about a Trump executive order signed on April 28. The president signed an order titled "Strengthening and Unleashing America’s Law Enforcement to Pursue Criminals and Protect Innocent Citizens.” The first section lays out the purpose of the order, which purports to prosecute state and local authorities who impede law enforcement objectives, use federal resources—including military assets—to support state and local law enforcement, and more.

Section 2 of the order states that law enforcement officers “who unjustly incur expenses and liabilities” while carrying out official duties will receive legal support, including “private-sector pro bono assistance,” through a mechanism created by the attorney general. Conlin told commissioners the executive order takes effect July 9. "This is a very intimidating thing for people standing at the bridge protesting," he said. "I'm thinking the military may be used to quell a peaceful demonstration and we want to know what local law enforcement will do here in Lincoln County?" 

Elliott complimented local law enforcement agencies for their past work, but she had concerns of "bad actors" infiltrating their rallies to cause trouble. "We are out there on the bridge speaking our minds so we can't have someone out there disrupting us during our peaceful protest."

Commissioner William Blodgett assured the public that Lincoln County elected and law enforcement officials supported everyone's right to peacefully protest and the sheriff's department would work toward that end.