Republican gubernatorial nominee Bobby Charles said Thursday that Maine’s sanctuary policies have undermined cooperation between state, local, and federal law enforcement, arguing that the breakdown contributed to the circumstances surrounding this week’s fatal ICE shooting in Biddeford.
Speaking on WVOM’s Maine’s Morning News with Ric Tyler and Paul Wolfe, Charles repeatedly cautioned that many facts surrounding the shooting remain unknown while calling for greater transparency from state officials and urging Mainers to allow the investigation to unfold.
“We have to let facts unfold here,” Charles said. “I’ve read and reread all of the reporting, and there are gaps.”
Charles said Gov. Janet Mills or Attorney General Aaron Frey should hold regular public briefings to provide verified information, dispel rumors, and reassure the public that the investigation remains a priority.
“The most immediate thing that a governor should be doing now… is do a press conference,” Charles said. “You offer to verify facts, you correct false facts, you curb rumors, and you let the public understand that public safety is a priority.”
Charles Defends Law Enforcement While Calling Shooting Tragic
Charles described the shooting as a tragedy for everyone involved, including the deceased, the victim’s family, the surrounding community, and the federal agents involved.
“I am a supporter of law enforcement, I have always been,” Charles said. “No law enforcement officer ever wants to discharge their gun in an environment like this.”
While emphasizing that investigators have yet to determine exactly what occurred, Charles argued that Maine’s policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities have created unnecessary risks during immigration enforcement operations.
Sanctuary Policies Become Central Focus
Much of Charles’ interview centered on his criticism of what he repeatedly referred to as Maine’s “sanctuary state status.”
According to Charles, previous cooperation between local police, county jails, and federal immigration authorities allowed individuals facing criminal charges to move through the traditional criminal justice process before, when appropriate, being transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Charles argued that restrictions on information sharing have forced ICE agents to conduct more independent field operations, which he believes increases the likelihood of dangerous encounters.
“If we restore that cooperation,” Charles said, “we will not have shootings like this.”
Charles, a former federal investigator and Navy intelligence officer, also argued that effective law enforcement depends on intelligence flowing from local officers to federal agencies.
“The people at the bottom know what’s happening,” he said. “Cooperation between local, state and federal law enforcement is very important.”
Responds to Calls to Abolish ICE
The hosts also asked Charles about Gov. Janet Mills’ comments following the Biddeford shooting, in which she said Congress should impose greater accountability measures on ICE and suggested that if reforms cannot be made, the agency should be abolished.
Charles sharply rejected that position, calling it “complete and total demagoguery.”
He instead argued that Congress should provide ICE with additional resources, including funding for body cameras, while maintaining immigration enforcement efforts.
Charles also criticized the Biden administration’s border policies, saying they contributed to the nation’s current immigration challenges, and argued Maine must enforce existing immigration laws while respecting constitutional due process protections.
Campaign Touts Law-and-Order Platform
Throughout the interview, Charles highlighted his background in federal law enforcement and national security, saying his experience handling constitutional litigation, criminal investigations, and intelligence work prepared him to address Maine’s public safety concerns. His campaign platform emphasizes reducing crime, cutting taxes, and strengthening government accountability.
Charles pledged that, if elected governor, he would restore cooperation between Maine law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities while ensuring constitutional protections are respected.
Charles Says Democratic Party Is Losing Support
The conversation concluded with a discussion of Maine politics following the withdrawal of former Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner.
Charles argued that many Democrats and independents no longer recognize the direction of the Democratic Party, claiming voters increasingly believe the state is headed in the wrong direction.
He also criticized the party’s process for selecting a replacement Senate nominee after Platner’s withdrawal, arguing it removes the decision from primary voters and places it in the hands of convention delegates.
Charles said he believes Maine voters are seeking a change in leadership heading into November and pointed listeners to his campaign website for additional information about his platform.
