Weekly Highlights May 19 - 23

This week at the ACLU: We filed a petition of habeas corpus on behalf of a Maine resident detained by ICE, we provided testimony on two immigration bills, and several anti-trans bills received intial votes in Augusta.

ACLU of Maine challenges indefinite ICE detention of Maine resident

Late Thursday, the ACLU of Maine filed a habeas corpus petition Thursday on behalf of Eyidi Ambila, a 44-year-old Maine resident who has been held in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention at Cumberland County Jail since September 23, 2024. The petition challenges Mr. Ambila’s ongoing, indefinite detention as a violation of his constitutional right to due process. 

 

Mr. Ambila was previously detained and released from DHS custody in 2007 and lived in the community for the next 17 years, consistently reporting to ICE, maintaining employment in Maine, and paying taxes. He is the primary provider for his family, including two minor children. Now in ICE custody for eight months, Mr. Ambila has received no updates on his immigration detention case. He remains in custody without any indication of when or if he will be released. 

Mr. Ambila’s story is just one in a time of sharply increased immigration enforcement activity happening in Maine. Since January 20, more people have been detained over civil immigration matters in Maine than in all of 2024. The widespread use of ICE detention raises serious concerns about due process and exposes local governments to costly legal liability. 

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ACLU of Maine testifies at State House in support of immigration bills 

Early this week, the ACLU of Maine was in Augusta testifying in support of two immigration bills: LDs 1971 and 1259. These bills would help ensure all people are treated equally under the law and prioritize public safety.

All people in the United States are entitled to due process as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. LDs 1259 and 1971 would strengthen the due process rights of all in Maine and ensure violations are not committed using local taxpayer resources through formal partnerships with federal authorities. 

The vast majority of testimony heard was in support of these bills. Read our testimony on each bill here and here.

Track LD 1259 

Track LD 1971

Maine Legislature takes initial vote on anti-trans bills

At a work session on Tuesday, the Judiciary Committee took an initial vote on several anti-trans bills. Two bills that propose bans against trans girls participating in school sports received a tie vote of "ought not to pass," in the committee, while another received a 6-5 "ought to pass" vote. Other, more broadly-focused anti-trans bills, were rejected by a majority vote. All bills, regardless of initial committee vote, will now move to the full House and Senate for a final vote. 

 

This is a promising start, but the fight isn’t over. As these bills move to the House and Senate floors, your voice is still crucial. Thank you to everyone who’s spoken out. Help us keep the momentum going! There’s still time to contact your lawmakers and urge them to oppose these harmful measures.

Take Action Against Anti-Trans Bills