U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has now publicly confirmed that the nurse at the center of a high-profile immigration protest in Portland remained in the United States after her visa expired, raising new questions about whether prominent Maine Democrats and labor leaders who rallied in her defense will respond to the agency’s statement.
According to ICE, Kapisha entered the United States on May 14, 2024, on a visa that was valid until November 13, 2024. The agency said she failed to depart before the visa expired, placing her in violation of federal immigration law.
ICE said she will remain in federal custody while her removal proceedings continue and emphasized that she “will receive full due process.”
The statement is the first detailed explanation released by federal immigration officials regarding the legal basis for her detention.
The case quickly became a political flashpoint in Maine.
Among those attending the Portland rally was Hannah Pingree, the Democratic nominee for governor, who joined members of the Maine State Nurses Association, organized labor, healthcare workers, and community activists in criticizing the federal enforcement action. Rally organizers argued that detaining healthcare workers threatens Maine’s already fragile healthcare system and sends the wrong message to immigrant professionals working in the state.
State Rep. Deqa Dhalac (D-South Portland) also attended the demonstration and delivered remarks criticizing the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Dhalac, who made controversial public comments about President Donald Trump, echoed concerns that federal immigration enforcement was harming immigrant communities and healthcare workers.
Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Troy Jackson did not attend the rally. Organizers told those gathered that Jackson was unable to participate because he was recovering from COVID-19.
Before ICE released its statement, critics argued that Democratic politicians and union leaders had rushed to condemn the agency without knowing the full facts surrounding the nurse’s immigration status. They questioned whether elected officials should have waited for federal authorities to clarify the circumstances before organizing and participating in protests.
Now that ICE has publicly stated the nurse overstayed her visa and is in the country unlawfully while removal proceedings are pending, attention is likely to turn to whether Pingree, Jackson, Dhalac, the Maine State Nurses Association, or other rally organizers will issue updated statements addressing the new information.
At the time of publication, none had publicly apologized or indicated they were changing their position. It is also possible they will continue to argue that, regardless of the immigration violation alleged by ICE, the case raises broader concerns about immigration enforcement, due process, and the impact on Maine’s healthcare workforce.
The Maine Wire has reached out to Hannah Pingree’s campaign, Troy Jackson’s campaign, State Rep. Deqa Dhalac, and the Maine State Nurses Association seeking comment on ICE’s statement. This story will be updated if any of them respond.
