Town officials confirmed Tuesday that no special permits are required for a pair of demonstrations planned in front of Scarborough Town Hall on Wednesday, where opposing rallies are set to take place regarding federal immigration enforcement.
Town Manager Tom Hall said, “police will be on scene as the events unfold near the municipal building at 259 Route 1, directly in front of the police station.” Hall said he “believes organizers received permission from Scarborough High School for participants to use the school parking lot.”
John Anderson, a current member of the Scarborough Town Council and chair of the Scarborough Democrats, is listed as one of the event’s organizers. The demonstration was originally scheduled to occur at the intersection of Route 1 and Lincoln Avenue, but has since been relocated to Town Hall. Anderson did not respond to texts or calls from The Maine Wire seeking comment.
In response, Trish Burnell of Denmark, Maine, is organizing a counter rally in support of law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Republican Gubernatorial candidate David Jones also posted to social media that he will be attending the pro law enforcement rally.
Both events are expected to draw local residents representing opposing views on immigration policy and police support.
Both rallies are expected to start at 4:00 p.m.
Across the country, ICE has faced mounting pressure as protests continue over immigration enforcement practices and the operation of detention facilities. Demonstrators in several cities have called for limits on deportations and detentions, while counter-protesters have rallied in defense of border security and federal agents.
The Scarborough facility recently became part of a broader national debate when Congresswoman Chellie Pingree accused the Homeland Security-run site of preventing attorneys from meeting with clients. Homeland Security officials strongly denied the allegation, calling the claim false and insisting that legal access remains available under federal law.
