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Maine Halts Undercover Plates Amid Immigration Enforcement Fears

1/18/2026

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Maine Pauses Undercover Plates

Maine paused issuing undercover license plates after a request from U.S. Customs and Border Protection amid rumors of immigration enforcement, heightening anxiety in Portland and Lewiston.
Shenna Bellows, Maine Secretary of State, expressed concerns that undercover license plates could be misused.
Federal law enforcement has placed rush orders for weather gear, signaling preparations for an operation similar to Minnesota.
U.S. Marshals Service Deputy Ryan Guay criticized the pause.

Right

Maine Leaders Warn

Maine leaders warn residents to prepare for potential increases in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity after warnings from federal sources.
Portland Mayor Mark Dion says he has received information about possible ramped-up enforcement.
Protests have erupted in Portland in opposition to increased ICE presence.
Governor Janet Mills condemns the actions as undermining civil rights.
Activists describe the situation as governmental intimidation.

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Maine Pauses Undercover Plates

Maine paused issuing undercover license plates after a request from U.S. Customs and Border Protection amid rumors of immigration enforcement, heightening anxiety in Portland and Lewiston.
Shenna Bellows, Maine Secretary of State, expressed concerns that undercover license plates could be misused.
Federal law enforcement has placed rush orders for weather gear, signaling preparations for an operation similar to Minnesota.
U.S. Marshals Service Deputy Ryan Guay criticized the pause.

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