21 Jan 2026

The West End Supports our Neighbors and Opposes the Actions of ICE

by | posted in: Uncategorized | 0

In our neighborhoods throughout Greater Portland, we have neighbors who don’t feel comfortable leaving their homes to perform basic tasks. This includes walking their children to school, filling their car at the gas pump, or even going to pick up groceries.

 

As of this morning, ICE is reporting they’ve confirmed 50 arrests since starting operations in Maine. They would like you to believe they are targeting violent criminals; however, their actions prove otherwise:

 

West End Neighbors, what’s happening in this city is alarming and unacceptable, and we need to be there to support those in need. Right now, you have a neighbor who is afraid to ask for help; they don’t know who is on their side and who they can lean on during this time. I urge you to be the shining light in their life today.

 

Watch this clip from today’s keynote address at UNE’s MLK Day Celebration. The Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity, Melissa Hue, speaks on the state of our communities and delivers a powerful call to action.

Ethan Shrestha, President

West End Neighborhood Association

Volunteers are needed for West End Neighborhood ICE watch and support. For more information, please contact marktappan23@gmail.com.

The following is a collection of resources and ways to offer support, shared by our neighbors in the Bayside Neighborhood Association, Parkside Neighborhood Association, and other community partners.

Please share these with neighbors who may need assistance and those who are able to help.

Direct Support
  • Presente — Works in the community to provide food and material support directly to displaced and dispossessed Afro/Indigenous-Latines in Maine.
  • Maine Solidarity Fund: Donate to the Maine Solidarity Fund — Support bail funds, legal fees, and more for our immigrant and Trans neighbors.
  • Project Relief — Direct support specific for community members that have been detained by ICE.
  • Food for All Services — Pack and deliver food for community members, especially those unable to leave their homes right now.
    • Know a neighbor in need? Have them call (207) 900-9597 or email Foodforallservices@gmail.com to request free food boxes for delivery
  • Community Relief Fund – Support bail funds, legal fees, and more.
  • Mainers for Humane Immigration’s Freedom Fund – Supports bond funds.
  • Families in Crisis Fund of the Foundation for Portland Public Schools – Supports families of PPS students with basic needs in times of crisis.
  • Boston Immigration Justice Accompaniment Network – contributes to immigration bond for people with a connection to the state of Massachusetts (detained in MA, living in MA, with immigration court in MA).

You can also find information on legal support and how immigrants can best prepare for ICE from ACLU of Maine, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) and the Refugee and Human Rights Clinic at the University of Maine School of Law.


ICE Response
  • Report ICE to the Hotline — If you see ICE, call the ICE Hotline: 207-544-9989. Save this number in your phone!
  • Become a ICE Hotline Operator — Learn to coordinate ICE verification efforts. The next training is on 2/23.
  • Train to be an ICE Watch Verifier — Learn to safely verify ICE presence and actions in real time. The next training is on 2/3 and subsequent first Tuesdays of the month.


Advocacy for Community Defense


Immediate Actions for opposing ICE
  • Report ICE to the Hotline — If you see ICE, call the ICE Hotline: 207-544-9989. Save this number in your phone.
  • Support LD1383. There was a public hearing today, Wednesday, January 21st at 11AM. Learn more here.
  • Attend the Tuesday, February 3rd Cumberland County Commissioners’ special meeting on the County’s contract with ICE. While we don’t know the exact format of the meeting, we expect you’ll have the opportunity to give comment. We’ll update our toolkit as more becomes known.
  • Donate to the Maine Solidarity Fund — Support bail funds, legal fees, and more.
  • Call and email Cumberland County Commissioner Jim Cloutier to tell him to end the County’s contract with ICE: 207-775-2911 and cloutier@cumberlandcounty.org. Please also reach out to your commissioner if you live in Cumberland County.
  • Talk to your neighbors. What plans and resources do you have if ICE is in your neighborhood? What can you organize together? All we have is each other.

More details & resources