Copyright Portland Press Herald
The Wells Police Department, the only agency to officially partner with federal immigration officials, has withdrawn from that agreement. Police Chief JoAnn Putnam told town officials and residents in a recent statement that the department will “continue to support our federal partners and uphold the law as appropriate,” but that it is withdrawing from an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after recent events and political discord. The Wells Police Department was the only agency in Maine earlier this year to enter a formal agreement under ICE’s 287(g) program, which allows local officers to more easily assist ICE agents. Putnam did not elaborate further in her statement on her choice to withdraw from the agreement. She did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment Wednesday. Another town employee read her statement Tuesday night during a meeting of the Town of Wells Select Board, telling attendees Putnam was at a training. There was a small bout of applause after he finished reading. “I have consistently maintained that politics and policing should remain separate,” Putnam wrote. “Unfortunately, as of late, these lines have become blurred. Considering recent events over the weekend and with the safety of Wells residents and visitors as our priority, I have made the decision to withdraw from our participation” in the agreement. Advertisement Putnam stated in her letter that she entered the agreement in May under a “wait-and-see” approach. Almost immediately after learning about the department’s participation, advocates and residents began protesting. Lawmakers introduced legislation to prohibit such agreements with ICE. Gov. Janet Mills declined to sign a bill this year that had passed the Legislature. This story may be updated.
