Immigrants' Rights

The protections of due process and equal protection embodied in our Constitution and Bill of Rights apply to every person in this country, not just those who were born here. The ACLU of Maine seeks to expand and enforce the civil liberties and civil rights of immigrants and to combat discrimination.

Immigrants' Rights Collage

The protections of due process and equal protection embodied in our Constitution and Bill of Rights apply to every person in this country, not just those who were born here. The ACLU of Maine seeks to expand and enforce the civil liberties and civil rights of immigrants and to combat discrimination.

The Latest

Press Release
Protect immigrants

Portland Council Limits Local Involvement in Federal Immigration Enforcement

The ordinance offers stronger protections than LD 1971. Portland joins Rockland and Lewiston as Waterville and Bangor consider similar measures.
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights
Press Release
ICE is breaking the law.

Appeals Court to Hear Arguments on Trump Policy Denying Bond Hearings to ICE Detainees

First Circuit to review ruling that Trump-era policy of mandatory detention and systematic denial of bond hearings violates federal law
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights
News & Commentary
Love Our Constitution

We're Taking "Operation Catch of the Day" to Federal Court

We're holding federal agents accountable for violating a Portland resident's civil rights during the reckless operations in January 2026.
Press Release
Police ICE agent in blue monotone treatment

ACLU of Maine, Other Advocates Sue Federal Officers for Violent Abduction of Lawful Immigrant During January ICE Crackdown

The case could re-establish the ability to hold federal agents accountable under state law. Advocates are representing an engineer who was violently abducted in downtown Portland.
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights
Initiative
Apr 2026

Defending Birthright Citizenship at the Supreme Court

President Trump has targeted immigrants since his first day in office, and his efforts to eliminate birthright citizenship are at the center of his cruel agenda to redefine who gets to be an American. But the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to children born in the United States — and President Trump is not above the Constitution.