Immigration Enforcement and Public Safety

South Portland’s city leadership—including the City Council, Police Department, and School Department—is taking a consistent, coordinated approach to affirm the city’s commitment to community safety, inclusion, and the protection of all residents.

  • The City Council’s 2017 resolution, developed with the Council, city manager, and then police chief, established a formal commitment to non-biased policing and not to seek delegated authority status to enforce federal immigration laws (aka Section 287(g)). It prohibits the use of city resources to support surveillance or registries based solely on race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or national origin.

  • City Manager Scott Morelli reaffirmed at a Council meeting on May 6, 2025 that this resolution remains in effect, noting that the City has not sought, and will not seek, authority to participate in immigration enforcement. He emphasized that South Portland will not assist in the creation of any registry or database profiling individuals by race or national origin.

  • Police Chief Dan Ahern echoed this position at the same meeting, stating that the South Portland Police Department does not work cooperatively with ICE and does not consider immigration status relevant to their public safety mission. He has coordinated with South Portland Schools to ensure a clear plan is in place in the event of a federal enforcement action at a school.

  • Interim School Superintendent Dr. George Entwistle, early in the 2025-26 school year, acknowledged the responsibility of South Portland Schools to ensure that all students, staff, and family members feel welcome, respected, and safe in our schools. In an effort to protect the rights and safety of South Portland's entire school community, Dr. Entwistle has issued guidance to school leaders so that they are informed and comfortable with their responsibilities to ensure that learning in our schools is not disrupted by Immigration Enforcement efforts. He promised to continue to keep school staff and leaders apprised of any changes in the legal or enforcement landscape and to adjust protocols and guidance accordingly.

  • The City Council's 2026 resolution, adopted on February 3, 2026, is an expression of the South Portland City Council’s concern for public safety and community well-being at a time of increased federal immigration enforcement activity in and around the city.

Together, these actions demonstrate that South Portland’s institutions are aligned in their commitment to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of all community members, and to act as trusted spaces where families are welcomed and supported.

Helpful Resources

Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project is a Maine-based organization that provides legal help and resources, including information to help people living in the United States understand their constitutional rights.

Posted: November 12, 2025. Last update: February 4, 2026.