AUGUSTA, Maine — Public libraries across the country are determining how to respond to potential encounters with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as the agency ramps up deportation enforcement this year.
The Maine Legislature passed three laws in 2026 restricting federal immigration actions: ICE Out of Policing, ICE Out of Our Homes and ICE Out of Schools and State Health Care.
All three took effect July 29. ICE Out of Schools and State Health Care covers Maine’s public libraries.
The Maine Library Commission unanimously adopted a policy Monday prohibiting anyone “acting on behalf of the state library” from voluntarily granting law enforcement officers access to nonpublic library areas for immigration enforcement.
If a law enforcement officer demands access to nonpublic areas, the policy instructs staff members to first ask why the officer needs entry.
The policy calls for library staff members to contact the designated administrator on duty if the officer possesses a court-issued warrant or any other official documents authorizing immigration enforcement activity.
The administrator would then review the documents or orders and, if necessary, consult with legal counsel before advising library staff members on how to respond.
The policy also instructs library staff members not to physically interfere with a law enforcement officer who attempts to access nonpublic library areas before this review process occurs.
The guidelines also address access to library records. Staff members cannot voluntarily offer protected patron records to officers seeking information for immigration enforcement.
As with nonpublic space access, library staff members must ask law enforcement officers requesting patron records for immigration purposes to produce a court-issued warrant or official authorization.
An administrator would then review the documents and consult legal counsel.
The policy also sets mandatory compliance guidelines if federal statutes authorize ICE or other law enforcement officers to interview noncitizens frequenting the library or access records as part of an official investigation.
Under these circumstances, the library must designate a nonpublic area where interviews or record reviews can take place.
The Maine Library Commission adopted a second policy Monday providing free notary services by appointment when the Maine State Library reopens.
The commission also unanimously reaffirmed policies on computer use, internet safety, photocopying and bulletin boards.
Commissioners approved the new guidelines as the state prepares to reopen the Maine State Library inside the Cultural Building in Augusta. The building, which also houses the Maine State Museum and the Maine State Archives, closed in early 2020 for a $3 million renovation.
Delays in elevator repairs and public computer deliveries forced the commission to push back the reopening to mid-December. The Maine State Museum reopened Oct. 24.