AUGUSTA, Maine – The U.S. Department of Justice is threatening legal action against the State of Maine over a Bureau of Motor Vehicles policy that allegedly blocks federal law enforcement agencies from obtaining undercover license plates if those vehicles are used for civil immigration enforcement operations.
In a sharply worded letter addressed to Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey, federal officials argued the policy is both “deeply dangerous” and “blatantly unlawful,” warning that it undermines ongoing investigations and places federal agents and their families at risk.
According to the letter, Maine’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles has reportedly refused to issue undercover plates to federal agencies unless those agencies certify the vehicles “will not be used for civil immigration enforcement.” The policy allegedly does not apply to state or local law enforcement agencies.
Federal officials said the restriction could jeopardize investigations involving drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, human trafficking, terrorism, fraud, fugitive apprehension, and missing children cases that rely on covert operations and surveillance.
“If federal law enforcement vehicles are readily identifiable,” the letter states, “officers, their families, and people under their protection will all be at risk.”
The Justice Department further warned that exposing undercover federal vehicles could allow suspects to flee, destroy evidence, or retaliate against officers. The letter also referenced growing concerns about threats, doxing, and harassment targeting federal law enforcement personnel.
The dispute escalates the already growing tension between Maine and the Trump administration over immigration enforcement and cooperation with federal agencies.
Federal officials argue the policy violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution by discriminating against the federal government while continuing to provide undercover plates to state and local agencies without the same restrictions.
Citing the Supreme Court case United States v. Washington (2022), the letter states that states cannot regulate or discriminate against the federal government in a way that interferes with federal operations.
“By refusing to issue undercover plates to Federal law enforcement agencies unless those agencies certify that the registered vehicle will not be used for civil immigration enforcement, while continuing to issue undercover plates to similarly-situated state and local law enforcement agencies without restriction, Maine’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles has directly run afoul of the Supremacy Clause by discriminating against the federal government,” the letter states.
The Justice Department demanded that Maine immediately rescind the policy and resume issuing undercover plates to all federal law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, ICE, and Customs and Border Protection.
Federal officials requested written assurance from the state by May 22, 2026, confirming the policy has been reversed. The letter warns that absent such assurances, “the United States reserves all rights,” signaling potential litigation could follow.
Meanwhile, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows publicly dismissed the DOJ’s position in comments reported by News Center Maine reporter Phil Hirschkorn.
“It’s absurd. ICE is not getting undercover license plates,” Bellows said. “Trump’s DOJ doesn’t scare me. We don’t have secret police in a democracy.”
Bellows’ remarks are likely to further inflame the already contentious debate over immigration enforcement in Maine, where Democratic leaders and several municipalities have increasingly resisted cooperation with ICE operations.
In recent months, cities including Portland and Lewiston have advanced or debated policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities, fueling criticism from Republicans and the Trump administration that Maine is moving toward sanctuary-style governance.
The confrontation now sets up a potentially major constitutional and political battle between Maine officials and the federal government over immigration enforcement powers, federal authority, and public safety.
