#newmainers — Public Fediverse posts

How soon people forget...

A century ago, #FrancoAmericans were targeted in #Maine like today’s #Somali #immigrants

Opinion by Tommy Pinette, March 3, 2026

"Two years ago, I learned the infamous #KuKluxKlan exploded in popularity throughout Maine during its resurgence in the 1920s. Across the United States, the terrorist group amassed hundreds of thousands of new followers in a rather clever dissemblance as a community service and fraternal organization. At one point, in fact, approximately 30% of Maine’s native-born population were enrolled members of the KKK. Yet they did not target Somali-Americans, people on work visas, or permanent residents from Africa — they vehemently attacked the people we now call Franco-Americans.

"Prominent Franco communities in #LewistonME, #RumfordME, #OldTownME, #AugustaME, and #WatervilleME, called 'petits Canadas,' became targets of violence for the #KKK.

"One local history of the Franco-American community of Old Town recounts a horrific stand-off at French Island: holding torches and weapons, a mob of angry klansmen attempted to cross the bridge onto the island in order to burn it down. Only the rapid efforts of men in the community to block the bridge physically kept the island from going up in flames.

"And yet, I hear many of my Franco relatives talk poorly about immigrants. They repeat similar slogans to the ones President Donald Trump spreads about immigrants who come from Africa, particularly those from East Africa: “they shouldn’t be here … Somalia is not even a country” Animus defines how many Franco-Americans understand immigrants, the people who stand in the very same place their ancestors once stood a couple generations ago.

"Do not forget that our #WhitePrivilege came at a great historical cost in the forms of systemic French language suppression, decades of shameful stereotypes, and barriers to higher education. For almost 70 years, the state of Maine had a legislative policy of only offering public education in English. We must remember our ancestors, the memères and pepères who endured the same xenophobic insults immigrants in America face today."

Read more:
https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/03/03/opinion/opinion-contributor/franco-americans-targeted-like-todays-immigrants-joam40zk0w/

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/83Hi6

#USPol #WorldPol #MainePol #NewAmericans #NewMainers #USHistory #MaineHistory #ICESucks #AbolishICE #Hypocrisy

Step-by-Step #FamilyPreparednessPlan / #PlanDePreparaciónFamiliar: (Guía Completa)

Publication Date Feb 10, 2026

"Every family should have a family preparedness plan in case of an emergency. It is equally critical for immigrant families to think ahead and set more concrete plans for immigration-related emergencies that may arise.

To assist in this, we've created this toolkit that goes into detail about different childcare options available in case of an absent parent, how to find trusted immigration services in your community, and how to prepare to assert your constitutional rights in the presence of an immigration officer."

Read more:
https://www.ilrc.org/resources/step-step-family-preparedness-plan

#USPol #ICESucks #NewAmericans #NewMainers #ResourcesForImmigrants #AbolishICE

This was published in a local #Maine newspaper (and also online). More of this, please...!

Show up for your neighbor: #ClimateCrisis and Inequality at Home

January 30, 2026
By Caitlin Marshall

"When we talk about climate change, we can talk about greenhouse gas emissions, CO2 levels, and kilowatts of renewable energy. These are all key metrics that ensure we’re grounded in solid science as we find a better way forward. But we also need to talk about people. The climate crisis has always been about inequality among people.

#ClimateChange Displaces Millions

Globally and locally, those who bear the highest burden of pollution and vulnerability to climate disruption are our #BIPOC neighbors. And one of the threads of that truth is climate migration.

In the coming decades, climate change will displace millions of people worldwide. Most will be from the Global South, whether directly to escape rising seas and polluted land or indirectly when climate instability exacerbates political instability.

We might meet this with worry. Or we can be inspired by a different perspective. As #SinafekeshGirma writes, we can 'move beyond viewing migration as a crisis, recognizing its power to advance resilience, inclusive policies, increased adaptation financing, and community-led solutions.'

#BuildingResilience in Maine

So what does that mean right now? That means pitching in to support our current #MigrantCommunity in Maine. When we see climate change and #RacialInjustice as interlinked problems, we can also see that the solutions are interlinked.

For some ideas on where to start: Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, and Maine Equal Justice.

Showing up for each other today is not only the right thing to do, but it also keeps building our resilience and skills. It prepares us for a future climate-changed world.

Right here in Portland, we are going to keep seeing climate challenges that ask us to help each other in times of need. Practicing now builds the muscle of resilience, of care. It asks us to be creative, and bold. It forces us to look around and see that change has always, always been part of our story.

We can lean into our community spirit, and in the words of Maine Youth for Climate Justice, create a 'livable future where we can all thrive.' "

Source:
https://thewestendnews.com/show-up-for-your-neighbor-climate-crisis-and-inequality-at-home/

#SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #MutualAid #WestEndNews #PortlandME #LivableFuture #NewMainers #MIRC #MIRS #ILAP #MaineEqualJustice #PortlandClimateActionTeam #MaineYouthForClimateJustice

This was published in a local #Maine newspaper (and also online). More of this, please...!

Show up for your neighbor: #ClimateCrisis and Inequality at Home

January 30, 2026
By Caitlin Marshall

"When we talk about climate change, we can talk about greenhouse gas emissions, CO2 levels, and kilowatts of renewable energy. These are all key metrics that ensure we’re grounded in solid science as we find a better way forward. But we also need to talk about people. The climate crisis has always been about inequality among people.

#ClimateChange Displaces Millions

Globally and locally, those who bear the highest burden of pollution and vulnerability to climate disruption are our #BIPOC neighbors. And one of the threads of that truth is climate migration.

In the coming decades, climate change will displace millions of people worldwide. Most will be from the Global South, whether directly to escape rising seas and polluted land or indirectly when climate instability exacerbates political instability.

We might meet this with worry. Or we can be inspired by a different perspective. As #SinafekeshGirma writes, we can 'move beyond viewing migration as a crisis, recognizing its power to advance resilience, inclusive policies, increased adaptation financing, and community-led solutions.'

#BuildingResilience in Maine

So what does that mean right now? That means pitching in to support our current #MigrantCommunity in Maine. When we see climate change and #RacialInjustice as interlinked problems, we can also see that the solutions are interlinked.

For some ideas on where to start: Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, and Maine Equal Justice.

Showing up for each other today is not only the right thing to do, but it also keeps building our resilience and skills. It prepares us for a future climate-changed world.

Right here in Portland, we are going to keep seeing climate challenges that ask us to help each other in times of need. Practicing now builds the muscle of resilience, of care. It asks us to be creative, and bold. It forces us to look around and see that change has always, always been part of our story.

We can lean into our community spirit, and in the words of Maine Youth for Climate Justice, create a 'livable future where we can all thrive.' "

Source:
https://thewestendnews.com/show-up-for-your-neighbor-climate-crisis-and-inequality-at-home/

#SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #MutualAid #WestEndNews #PortlandME #LivableFuture #NewMainers #MIRC #MIRS #ILAP #MaineEqualJustice #PortlandClimateActionTeam #MaineYouthForClimateJustice

This was published in a local #Maine newspaper (and also online). More of this, please...!

Show up for your neighbor: #ClimateCrisis and Inequality at Home

January 30, 2026
By Caitlin Marshall

"When we talk about climate change, we can talk about greenhouse gas emissions, CO2 levels, and kilowatts of renewable energy. These are all key metrics that ensure we’re grounded in solid science as we find a better way forward. But we also need to talk about people. The climate crisis has always been about inequality among people.

#ClimateChange Displaces Millions

Globally and locally, those who bear the highest burden of pollution and vulnerability to climate disruption are our #BIPOC neighbors. And one of the threads of that truth is climate migration.

In the coming decades, climate change will displace millions of people worldwide. Most will be from the Global South, whether directly to escape rising seas and polluted land or indirectly when climate instability exacerbates political instability.

We might meet this with worry. Or we can be inspired by a different perspective. As #SinafekeshGirma writes, we can 'move beyond viewing migration as a crisis, recognizing its power to advance resilience, inclusive policies, increased adaptation financing, and community-led solutions.'

#BuildingResilience in Maine

So what does that mean right now? That means pitching in to support our current #MigrantCommunity in Maine. When we see climate change and #RacialInjustice as interlinked problems, we can also see that the solutions are interlinked.

For some ideas on where to start: Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, and Maine Equal Justice.

Showing up for each other today is not only the right thing to do, but it also keeps building our resilience and skills. It prepares us for a future climate-changed world.

Right here in Portland, we are going to keep seeing climate challenges that ask us to help each other in times of need. Practicing now builds the muscle of resilience, of care. It asks us to be creative, and bold. It forces us to look around and see that change has always, always been part of our story.

We can lean into our community spirit, and in the words of Maine Youth for Climate Justice, create a 'livable future where we can all thrive.' "

Source:
https://thewestendnews.com/show-up-for-your-neighbor-climate-crisis-and-inequality-at-home/

#SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #MutualAid #WestEndNews #PortlandME #LivableFuture #NewMainers #MIRC #MIRS #ILAP #MaineEqualJustice #PortlandClimateActionTeam #MaineYouthForClimateJustice

This was published in a local #Maine newspaper (and also online). More of this, please...!

Show up for your neighbor: #ClimateCrisis and Inequality at Home

January 30, 2026
By Caitlin Marshall

"When we talk about climate change, we can talk about greenhouse gas emissions, CO2 levels, and kilowatts of renewable energy. These are all key metrics that ensure we’re grounded in solid science as we find a better way forward. But we also need to talk about people. The climate crisis has always been about inequality among people.

#ClimateChange Displaces Millions

Globally and locally, those who bear the highest burden of pollution and vulnerability to climate disruption are our #BIPOC neighbors. And one of the threads of that truth is climate migration.

In the coming decades, climate change will displace millions of people worldwide. Most will be from the Global South, whether directly to escape rising seas and polluted land or indirectly when climate instability exacerbates political instability.

We might meet this with worry. Or we can be inspired by a different perspective. As #SinafekeshGirma writes, we can 'move beyond viewing migration as a crisis, recognizing its power to advance resilience, inclusive policies, increased adaptation financing, and community-led solutions.'

#BuildingResilience in Maine

So what does that mean right now? That means pitching in to support our current #MigrantCommunity in Maine. When we see climate change and #RacialInjustice as interlinked problems, we can also see that the solutions are interlinked.

For some ideas on where to start: Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, and Maine Equal Justice.

Showing up for each other today is not only the right thing to do, but it also keeps building our resilience and skills. It prepares us for a future climate-changed world.

Right here in Portland, we are going to keep seeing climate challenges that ask us to help each other in times of need. Practicing now builds the muscle of resilience, of care. It asks us to be creative, and bold. It forces us to look around and see that change has always, always been part of our story.

We can lean into our community spirit, and in the words of Maine Youth for Climate Justice, create a 'livable future where we can all thrive.' "

Source:
https://thewestendnews.com/show-up-for-your-neighbor-climate-crisis-and-inequality-at-home/

#SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #MutualAid #WestEndNews #PortlandME #LivableFuture #NewMainers #MIRC #MIRS #ILAP #MaineEqualJustice #PortlandClimateActionTeam #MaineYouthForClimateJustice

This was published in a local #Maine newspaper (and also online). More of this, please...!

Show up for your neighbor: #ClimateCrisis and Inequality at Home

January 30, 2026
By Caitlin Marshall

"When we talk about climate change, we can talk about greenhouse gas emissions, CO2 levels, and kilowatts of renewable energy. These are all key metrics that ensure we’re grounded in solid science as we find a better way forward. But we also need to talk about people. The climate crisis has always been about inequality among people.

#ClimateChange Displaces Millions

Globally and locally, those who bear the highest burden of pollution and vulnerability to climate disruption are our #BIPOC neighbors. And one of the threads of that truth is climate migration.

In the coming decades, climate change will displace millions of people worldwide. Most will be from the Global South, whether directly to escape rising seas and polluted land or indirectly when climate instability exacerbates political instability.

We might meet this with worry. Or we can be inspired by a different perspective. As #SinafekeshGirma writes, we can 'move beyond viewing migration as a crisis, recognizing its power to advance resilience, inclusive policies, increased adaptation financing, and community-led solutions.'

#BuildingResilience in Maine

So what does that mean right now? That means pitching in to support our current #MigrantCommunity in Maine. When we see climate change and #RacialInjustice as interlinked problems, we can also see that the solutions are interlinked.

For some ideas on where to start: Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, and Maine Equal Justice.

Showing up for each other today is not only the right thing to do, but it also keeps building our resilience and skills. It prepares us for a future climate-changed world.

Right here in Portland, we are going to keep seeing climate challenges that ask us to help each other in times of need. Practicing now builds the muscle of resilience, of care. It asks us to be creative, and bold. It forces us to look around and see that change has always, always been part of our story.

We can lean into our community spirit, and in the words of Maine Youth for Climate Justice, create a 'livable future where we can all thrive.' "

Source:
https://thewestendnews.com/show-up-for-your-neighbor-climate-crisis-and-inequality-at-home/

#SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #MutualAid #WestEndNews #PortlandME #LivableFuture #NewMainers #MIRC #MIRS #ILAP #MaineEqualJustice #PortlandClimateActionTeam #MaineYouthForClimateJustice

The Reality Facing #AsylumSeekers in #Maine

Posted By: Nancy English, January 02, 2026

Excerpt:

"Caring City

Portland has proven its support time and time again. The City opened the Portland Exposition Building in 2019 and again in 2023 to help immigrants seeking refuge. Helped by City workers, local nonprofits, and volunteers, many found housing and received work permits. But now, grants and federal support are drying up.

'Things are really stressful and chaotic,' Stein said. 'The rules keep changing all the time. The fees asylum seekers pay have had huge increases.'

As she talked to me, she read a news alert on her phone about a change in the duration of work permits. From December 4th, newly issued work permits will expire after 18 months, instead of the previous five years.

Lives Disrupted

The Immigrant Legal Aid Program (#ILAP) offers immigrants legal support and far more. Lisa Parisio, ILAP’s Policy Director, said, 'People in Maine are having their immigration statuses and protections stripped away, losing access to work permits, and immigration enforcement has dramatically increased.'

Families left without bread winners, possibly without a vehicle or other resources, are trying to get on with their lives.

'Be as prepared as possible,' advised attorney Jenny Beverly, an immigration attorney working at Haven Law in Portland, Maine. 'Give a trusted friend a copy of your complete asylum application, with copies of entry documents, passports, ‘Notice to Appear,’ evidence of filing (a receipt given on acceptance of an asylum application).'

Family will need all that and more simply to find someone detained by federal agents. At the very least, she said, 'Share your alien number, birthplace, birthdate, and your full name.' "

Read more:
https://thewestendnews.com/the-reality-facing-asylum-seekers-in-maine/

#USPol #MainePol #SanctuaryCities #PortlandME #NewMainers #SanctuaryCity #WelcomeNewMainers #Refugees #Immigrants #TrumpSucks

The Reality Facing #AsylumSeekers in #Maine

Posted By: Nancy English, January 02, 2026

Excerpt:

"Caring City

Portland has proven its support time and time again. The City opened the Portland Exposition Building in 2019 and again in 2023 to help immigrants seeking refuge. Helped by City workers, local nonprofits, and volunteers, many found housing and received work permits. But now, grants and federal support are drying up.

'Things are really stressful and chaotic,' Stein said. 'The rules keep changing all the time. The fees asylum seekers pay have had huge increases.'

As she talked to me, she read a news alert on her phone about a change in the duration of work permits. From December 4th, newly issued work permits will expire after 18 months, instead of the previous five years.

Lives Disrupted

The Immigrant Legal Aid Program (#ILAP) offers immigrants legal support and far more. Lisa Parisio, ILAP’s Policy Director, said, 'People in Maine are having their immigration statuses and protections stripped away, losing access to work permits, and immigration enforcement has dramatically increased.'

Families left without bread winners, possibly without a vehicle or other resources, are trying to get on with their lives.

'Be as prepared as possible,' advised attorney Jenny Beverly, an immigration attorney working at Haven Law in Portland, Maine. 'Give a trusted friend a copy of your complete asylum application, with copies of entry documents, passports, ‘Notice to Appear,’ evidence of filing (a receipt given on acceptance of an asylum application).'

Family will need all that and more simply to find someone detained by federal agents. At the very least, she said, 'Share your alien number, birthplace, birthdate, and your full name.' "

Read more:
https://thewestendnews.com/the-reality-facing-asylum-seekers-in-maine/

#USPol #MainePol #SanctuaryCities #PortlandME #NewMainers #SanctuaryCity #WelcomeNewMainers #Refugees #Immigrants #TrumpSucks

The Reality Facing #AsylumSeekers in #Maine

Posted By: Nancy English, January 02, 2026

Excerpt:

"Caring City

Portland has proven its support time and time again. The City opened the Portland Exposition Building in 2019 and again in 2023 to help immigrants seeking refuge. Helped by City workers, local nonprofits, and volunteers, many found housing and received work permits. But now, grants and federal support are drying up.

'Things are really stressful and chaotic,' Stein said. 'The rules keep changing all the time. The fees asylum seekers pay have had huge increases.'

As she talked to me, she read a news alert on her phone about a change in the duration of work permits. From December 4th, newly issued work permits will expire after 18 months, instead of the previous five years.

Lives Disrupted

The Immigrant Legal Aid Program (#ILAP) offers immigrants legal support and far more. Lisa Parisio, ILAP’s Policy Director, said, 'People in Maine are having their immigration statuses and protections stripped away, losing access to work permits, and immigration enforcement has dramatically increased.'

Families left without bread winners, possibly without a vehicle or other resources, are trying to get on with their lives.

'Be as prepared as possible,' advised attorney Jenny Beverly, an immigration attorney working at Haven Law in Portland, Maine. 'Give a trusted friend a copy of your complete asylum application, with copies of entry documents, passports, ‘Notice to Appear,’ evidence of filing (a receipt given on acceptance of an asylum application).'

Family will need all that and more simply to find someone detained by federal agents. At the very least, she said, 'Share your alien number, birthplace, birthdate, and your full name.' "

Read more:
https://thewestendnews.com/the-reality-facing-asylum-seekers-in-maine/

#USPol #MainePol #SanctuaryCities #PortlandME #NewMainers #SanctuaryCity #WelcomeNewMainers #Refugees #Immigrants #TrumpSucks

The Reality Facing #AsylumSeekers in #Maine

Posted By: Nancy English, January 02, 2026

Excerpt:

"Caring City

Portland has proven its support time and time again. The City opened the Portland Exposition Building in 2019 and again in 2023 to help immigrants seeking refuge. Helped by City workers, local nonprofits, and volunteers, many found housing and received work permits. But now, grants and federal support are drying up.

'Things are really stressful and chaotic,' Stein said. 'The rules keep changing all the time. The fees asylum seekers pay have had huge increases.'

As she talked to me, she read a news alert on her phone about a change in the duration of work permits. From December 4th, newly issued work permits will expire after 18 months, instead of the previous five years.

Lives Disrupted

The Immigrant Legal Aid Program (#ILAP) offers immigrants legal support and far more. Lisa Parisio, ILAP’s Policy Director, said, 'People in Maine are having their immigration statuses and protections stripped away, losing access to work permits, and immigration enforcement has dramatically increased.'

Families left without bread winners, possibly without a vehicle or other resources, are trying to get on with their lives.

'Be as prepared as possible,' advised attorney Jenny Beverly, an immigration attorney working at Haven Law in Portland, Maine. 'Give a trusted friend a copy of your complete asylum application, with copies of entry documents, passports, ‘Notice to Appear,’ evidence of filing (a receipt given on acceptance of an asylum application).'

Family will need all that and more simply to find someone detained by federal agents. At the very least, she said, 'Share your alien number, birthplace, birthdate, and your full name.' "

Read more:
https://thewestendnews.com/the-reality-facing-asylum-seekers-in-maine/

#USPol #MainePol #SanctuaryCities #PortlandME #NewMainers #SanctuaryCity #WelcomeNewMainers #Refugees #Immigrants #TrumpSucks

#Maine communities, businesses grapple with the fallout of #ICE surge

by Ari Snider, Maine Public
January 22, 2026

"On a residential street in Portland's Parkside neighborhood Wednesday afternoon, several residents honked car horns and blew #whistles and #airhorns as several ICE agents get into unmarked vehicles and pull off down the block.

"It was unclear if the agents had arrested anyone.

"A woman who gave her name only as Olivia said she lives nearby, and responded when she heard that ICE agents were in the area.

" 'Came out, walked around, found them. There are a lot of other folks out here with whistles and bull horns trying to alert folks,' she said.

"Olivia said she witnessed an immigration arrest earlier that day just up the block."

Read more:
https://www.wbur.org/news/2026/01/22/maine-communities-businesses-ice-surge

#ICEOut #ICESucks #ICEOUTMaine #WeProtectOurselves #MutualAid #ImmigrantsWelcome #NewMainers #FuckICE #ICESurge

Gotta love #MaineDSA! Putting out quality information for #Mainers protecting #NewMainers (and everyone else)!

Did you see ICE?

Here's what to do next - a comradely reminder from your local Maine DSA chapter.

The Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition. and other community partners have set up a hotine to report potential CE sightings. Please use the SALUTE method when reporting ICE to the hotine, Unconfirmed sightings create panic and confusion. please save the number to your phone, or take a tab with the number to keep handy.

Size: How many agents/vehicles?
Activity: What are they doing?
Location: Where exactly is this happening? (exact address if possible)
Unit: what agency? (ICE, CBP. etc)
Time: When did you see this?
Equipment: Vehicle descriptions, clothing, badges, etc.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: All people living in the United States have rights regardless of your citizenship. Take a moment to learn about YOUR personal rights You shod learn about your rights beforehand so you can exercise them when needed:

Read about your rights: maineimmigrantrights.org/mirc-resource-hub/

This hotline needs volunteers! You can find the sign up link fo get trained and
become a volunteer at maineimmigrantrights.org/mirc-resource-hub/

Hotline number: (207) 544-9989.

#WeKeepUsSafe #MaineResists #ResistICE #SALUTE #KYR #KnowYourRights