PORTLAND, Maine — U.S. Attorney Andrew Benson issued a statement Monday reminding Mainers that federal law enforcement officers “swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States” as they carry out their duties, including enforcing federal laws “relating to illegal immigration.”
Benson said the Constitution “guarantees the right to peacefully assemble and to protest,” calling those protections “fundamental rights that form the basis for a free society.”
But, he drew a sharp line between lawful protest and criminal conduct, warning that “acts of violence against other individuals, destruction of property, or obstruction of lawful governmental activity” are not protected.
With protests anticipated “in the coming days,” Benson urged demonstrations to remain peaceful and warned that “anyone who forcibly assaults or impedes a federal law enforcement officer, willfully destroys government property, or unlawfully obstructs federal law enforcement activity commits a federal crime and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
He also issued a pointed message to those with platforms, “whether that be an elected official, commentator or engaged citizen”, urging them to push for peaceful engagement and warning that “divisive, bombastic public statements” can inflame tensions and “make violence more likely.”
“Force, intimidation and threats have no place in our public discourse,” Benson said, adding that such behavior is contrary to Maine’s “time-honored tradition” of peaceful civic engagement.
