Wells, Maine, known for its tourism, has witnessed growing anxiety among residents due to the local police department's agreement to collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Protests have emerged against this partnership, highlighting the community's reliance on foreign workers in businesses such as hotels and restaurants. Despite the protests and concerns, police have not yet engaged in ICE enforcement actions, but tensions remain high as residents grapple with the implications of the collaboration on community safety and the immigrant workforce.
Around 8 o'clock, yet another ritual, new this year, began as a small group of protesters gathered in front of the Wells Police Department, waving signs at cars on Route 1, Maine's coastal artery. Wells recently became the only town in Maine whose police department agreed to a collaboration with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, and the protesters' objections to the partnership were clear.
Anxiety in Wells, like many U.S. tourist spots that rely on foreign labor, is heightened due to the local police department's agreement to collaborate with federal agents. Many community members are fearful of potential immigration raids.
The protests, which began in April, have become a weekly event in Wells, which relies on foreign workers to staff its hotels, restaurants and other businesses. Police leaders are now taking a cautious approach and have yet to participate in ICE enforcement actions.
One Wells resident, Jim Loring, expressed that the police are supposed to be cooperating with ICE, suggesting that the collaboration is meant to protect citizens. Loring felt that everyone should cooperate with ICE rather than oppose them.
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