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Carl Sheline is the mayor of Lewiston. Mark Dion is the mayor of Portland.
Our cities are facing a serious hour. In the coming days, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — ICE — will step up operations in Maine. This is not abstract. This affects real people, real families, and real neighborhoods.
As mayors, we write not to spark fear — but we are also not here to stay silent.
Let us be clear from the start: Our cities will not be governed by intimidation, confusion, or rumor. We will not allow provocative political rhetoric to replace facts, and we will not allow division to weaken the fabric and humanity of our respective communities.
Immigration enforcement is a lawful federal responsibility. But community safety, and the trust that must exist to promote that safety are local responsibilities — and those responsibilities belong to all of us.
We expect federal agencies to respect the Constitution, follow the rule of law, and treat every person with basic human dignity. We will be watching closely. We will speak out if those democratic standards are not met.
Our residents deserve clarity. They deserve calm. And they deserve leadership that is straightforward and committed to the protection of the best interests of our cities, cities that have always looked out for their own.
Let us say this plainly: Our police departments do not exist to do federal immigration work. Their job is to keep people safe — all people. If someone is the victim of a crime, a witness to violence, or in personal danger, they should call for help without hesitation or fear.
We do not tolerate harassment, racial profiling, or intimidation in our neighborhoods. If you have chosen to make a home in Lewiston or Portland to live, work, or raise your kids in our communities, we will defend your right to share in the American dream.
In our cities, we believe in accountability and responsibility — both from individuals and from government. Our residents respect the law. They also insist on fairness, due process, respect and basic decency. These values are not negotiable or optional.
Let us be clear: We will not allow our cities to become a place where people are afraid to walk their streets, send their kids to school, or speak to local officials. In that light, we expect any federal agency operating in our cities to conform to the standards we expect of our own police officers — to act professionally, lawfully, and with restraint. If they do not, we will challenge it.
This is not a moment for panic. It is a moment for resolve. We stand for public safety. We stand for the Constitution. We stand for the dignity of every person in our cities.
We ask our residents to stay informed, stay calm, and stay connected to one another. Do not spread rumors. Do not give in to fear. And do not let anyone tell you that your neighbor is your enemy.
Our communities are strong. Our democratic values are clear. And our leadership will not waver. This storm will pass, and our belief is that the character of Maine will be revealed. That we are a people that is decent, fair minded and fiercely independent and in that faith we both believe our cities will weather the darkness and enter the light again even stronger.