Town Council Aligns with Maine LD 1971 Concerning Interaction with Federal Immigration Enforcement Activities.
Apr 23, 2026
BAR HARBOR—The Bar Harbor Town Council’s decision to affirm the town’s policy regarding immigration and align it with state statutes was met with thanks from those attending the April 21 meeting.
“I know what a difficult and challenging decision this has been for all of you folks,” John O’Brien said at the meeting. “I want to thank you very much for your willingness to meet with us, talk with us, work with us, and we’re so pleased by the action you’ve taken tonight. Thank you.”
O’Brien was the only one who spoke.
The affirmation comes after multiple meetings with citizens concerned about potential interactions between the town’s police department, staff, and federal immigration enforcement, commonly known as ICE.
“WHEREAS, enforcement of federal immigration law is the responsibility of federal authorities, and the Town and its employees operate within the authority granted under state law, federal law, and the United States Constitution; and WHEREAS, the Bar Harbor Police Department does not independently undertake federal immigration enforcement activities; and WHEREAS, the Town of Bar Harbor has an established approach to community policing grounded in integrity, honor, and respect for the rights and dignity of all individuals,” the order begins.
The order also comes before the enactment of State law, LD 1971, which is meant to clarify the relationship between local law authorities and federal immigration officials and will be enacted in 90 days after April 15.
Maine Legislature passed LD 1971 in June 2025.
“We have been informed that these are restrictions already observed in the administrative policy of the town. But, why not go a step further? Why not enshrine that policy in law, now? Why not follow Bangor’s lead and approve an early implementation of 1971 by way of an order?” John O’Brien had asked at a March Town Council meeting.
The state law is meant to clarify how local and state law enforcement agencies interact with federal civil immigration engagements and prohibits state and local law enforcement from performing the investigation, interrogation, detention, detection, stopping, searching or arresting “a person for [civil] immigration enforcement purposes.”
The only discussion amongst the council and staff was to fix two typos in the order. That was unanimously passed.
In 2017, after a citizens’ petition, Mount Desert voters had declared 101-59 that the town would be a “sanctuary community.” The non-binding resolution hoped to “protect the independence of our local law enforcement by refusing to require police or town employees to serve as enforcers of federal immigration law.”
It was the first town in Maine to do so.
That same year, Bar Harbor residents voted 351-62 to support declaring that town a sanctuary community.
Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Police Chief David Kerns had sent a memo in late 2024 explaining that “the police department remains dedicated to its mission of upholding public safety while respecting constitutional rights. In accordance with our legal responsibilities, we enforce state and local laws within our jurisdiction. Matters related to federal immigration enforcement fall under the purview of federal agencies, and we are not authorized to act in that capacity. This clear division of responsibilities has long been part of our approach, ensuring adherence to our legal obligations and protecting the constitutional rights of all individuals.”
“The Sanctuary Community Resolution reflects our shared commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and respect for all individuals. These values continue to guide our efforts in fostering a safe and welcoming community,” Kerns wrote at the time.
The Bar Harbor residents have also been exploring a potential citizens’ initiative related to potential town policy and rules related to how it interacts with ICE officers.
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Acadia Brochures of Maine.
LINKS TO LEARN MORE
Some Residents Continue To Push Bar Harbor to Codify Restrictions on ICE Cooperation
Bar Harbor Residents Push to Block Potential Local Cooperation With ICE
What Does Sanctuary Status Really Mean for Local Towns?
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