US EditionMaine hits pause on undercover license plates for federal immigration officers
Maine Secretary of State paused new undercover license plates after a federal request amid concerns over potential misuse linked to rumored Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity.
- This past week, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows paused issuing new confidential, undercover license plates after a recent request from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
- Amid reports earlier this week, unusual federal logistics were flagged, including U.S. Border Patrol in Houlton ordering cold-weather gear and online claims of unmarked vehicles in Portland hotels.
- Ryan Guay, a supervisory deputy U.S. Marshal, said the U.S. Marshals Service was told Friday that federal agencies will not receive 'covert status' for plates, surprising officials and raising safety concerns.
- Community groups and schools responded with protests and safety measures after Bellows said, `Until we can get some assurances that those plates are going to be used for lawful purposes and not what we've seen in other states where there have been some abuses of power`,
- Later this month, Portland Public Schools will host trainings on Jan. 28 and Feb. 24 while reporters and officials seek confirmation from federal agencies with little response.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Idaho Press
Joplin GlobeMaine says no confidential plates for Border Protection vehicles, citing 'abuses of power'
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — An official in Maine said Wednesday that she turned down a request for more undercover license plates for U.S. Customs and Border Protection vehicles, citing “abuses of power” in Minnesota and elsewhere during the Trump administration's immigration…
Maine secretary of state's pause on new undercover license plates for feds draws criticism from Republicans
Republican lawmakers in Maine are criticizing Secretary of State Shenna Bellows for her decision not to issue new undercover license plates to federal law enforcement officers ahead of a potential surge in immigration enforcement in Maine.
Amid reports of ICE activity, what we know about immigration enforcement in Maine • Maine Morning Star
A U.S. Department of Homeland Security vehicle parked outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Scarborough on Jan. 15, 2026. (By Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)Community members continue to take precautions amid sightings of federal immigration agents in Maine, though an increase in operations is unclear as the Trump administration remains mum. Multiple sightings throughout Southern Maine on Tuesday, beginning during the m…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
