PORTLAND, Maine — Community activists are urging Cumberland County Commissioners to terminate the jail’s contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but Sheriff Kevin Joyce told the board Monday that he is bound to follow the law and cannot selectively enforce it.
At the commissioners’ workshop, immigration advocates and progressive groups argued that the county jail should stop housing ICE detainees, despite an agreement that provides the county with nearly $2 million annually. As of Monday, the jail held 63 detainees under the contract, which pays $150 per person per day.
Joyce pushed back on claims that the county could simply walk away from federal obligations, citing state law and Department of Corrections regulations. “It’s not the heartless sheriff up here, just a sheriff trying to follow the law and protect the community,” Joyce said, emphasizing that he will enforce the law as written.
Critics, including the No ICE for ME coalition, claimed the jail has discretion to reject federal detainees and argued the arrangement creates fear among immigrant communities. They cited recent arrests in Portland, saying families were too afraid to send their children to school or contact police.
Commissioner Patricia Smith called the contract “unacceptable,” while Commissioner Stephen Gorden said he intends to propose a motion on the issue next month but emphasized the need for legal clarity. Commissioner James Cloutier said he wanted direct input from state officials before making changes.
An August memo from the Maine Department of Corrections stated county jails are obligated to accept federal detainees, but opponents said the rules were misinterpreted. The DOC did not respond to requests for comment.
Sheriff Joyce also stated he will continue to assist ICE and house immigration detainees even if the county terminates the contract.
Watch: Compilation of statements from Sheriff Kevin Joyce at the board meeting last night
