Gov. Janet Mills Refuses To Act As Maine Becomes De-Facto Sanctuary State
Maine is poised to become a de facto sanctuary state for illegal immigrants in the final year of Democratic Gov. Janet Mills’ term.
Mills, a two-term governor vying to defeat Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November’s midterm elections, refused to veto a bill limiting local law enforcement’s collaboration with federal immigration authorities in December. Republicans and law enforcement groups have argued that the sanctuary state proposal would keep dangerous criminals on the streets by protecting illegal immigrants from federal immigration law enforcement. (RELATED: Major hotel accused of refusing ICE service amid Minneapolis crackdown)
“Limiting cooperation between Maine law enforcement and federal authorities – a long-standing tradition due to Maine’s vast foreign border – shows reckless disregard for public safety and will put the people of Maine at risk,” Republicans in the Maine State House of Representatives said in a statement. “By restricting law enforcement access to individuals already in custody, this law protects criminals and weakens crime prevention efforts. »
The bill passed the Democratic-controlled state Legislature in June without Republican support. Mills did not take a position at the time, although law enforcement groups spoke out against the measure. She chose not to sign or veto the measure, allowing the legislation to become law when the state Legislature reconvenes Wednesday.
Mills cited the Trump administration’s aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration in an opinion piece expressing support for the bill, adding that the measure is “flawed” but necessary in his view.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] unacceptable actions, and I have therefore chosen to allow LD 1971 to become law,” Mills wrote.
She also highlighted her decision to repeal a 2011 executive order issued by then-Republican Gov. Paul LePage calling for “enhanced cooperation” between state and federal law enforcement officials on immigration enforcement.
ICE Director Todd Lyons blasted Mills’ decision that would effectively tie the hands of local law enforcement in assisting federal authorities. The Trump administration has repeatedly sought to crack down on jurisdictions that limit immigration enforcement assistance.
“Governor Mills and her fellow Maine sanctuary politicians have made it clear that they would rather stand with criminal illegal aliens than protect law-abiding American citizens,” Lyons said in a statement. “It’s no surprise that they want to prevent law enforcement from helping federal agents arrest rapists, murderers, pedophiles, gang members and terrorists. »
The overwhelming majority of illegal immigrants arrested in the first year of his second term have criminal histories, the Washington Examiner first reported. Of the 595,000 illegal immigrants arrested by ICE between January 20, 2025 and December 11, 70%, or just over 415,000, have criminal convictions or are awaiting criminal charges in the United States.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), the campaign arm of Senate Republicans, also criticized Mills for refusing to veto the sanctuary state proposal. The NRSC is expected to aggressively defend Collins’ seat, which Democrats view as a must-win state to regain control of the Senate in the midterms.
“There is no excuse for allowing criminal illegal immigrants to wreak havoc on Maine communities and harm children,” NRSC Regional Press Secretary Samantha Cantrell said in a statement.
A spokesperson for Mills did not respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 11: U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) (center) speaks with reporters as she arrives at the U.S. Capitol ahead of votes on December 11, 2025 in Washington, DC. Senators rejected two competing proposals intended to stave off rising health care premiums. (Photo by Heather Diehl/Getty Images)
Mills also faced scrutiny for expanding taxpayer-funded health care to illegal immigrants during his tenure as governor.
People under 21 and pregnant women are eligible for full Medicaid benefits, known locally as MaineCare, regardless of their immigration status because of a bill signed by Mills as governor. The MaineCare Services Office uses the term “pregnant persons” instead of pregnant women.
Mills was recruited by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to enter the 2026 state Senate race and has support from the established wing of the Democratic Party. She faces a primary challenge from Bernie Sanders-backed oyster farmer Graham Platner, who runs to Mill’s left.
Although Mills trailed Platner in several surveys, despite being the Pine Tree State’s top Democrat, early polls of the contest showed mixed results.
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