Maine principal apologizes after backlash over dressing up as ICE agent for Halloween

FARMINGTON, MAINE: A Maine middle school principal was forced to issue a public apology after photos of him dressed as a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent for Halloween went viral, drawing sharp criticism from parents, students, and community members.

James Black, principal of Mt Blue Middle School, came under fire after a picture surfaced online showing him in an officer-style vest with “POLICE ICE” written on it, an “ICE” hat adorned with an American flag, a blue-and-black face covering, and zip ties on his hip. Another viral image shared on TikTok appeared to show him holding an assault-style rifle while in the costume.

The photos were initially posted on Facebook during what Black described as a private family Halloween celebration but quickly spread across Reddit and other social media platforms. By Monday, November 3, the images had reached more than half a million views.

James Black's costume was dubbed 'tone-deaf'

The photos triggered outrage from locals and online users alike. Many accused Black of being insensitive and creating fear among students from immigrant backgrounds.

Emily Angela, who reposted the images after a friend first shared them, told The Sun Journal, “This man has international students. It’s really tone-deaf. How would they feel safe, especially if they’re a student of color, and they see that’s how their principal is dressing?”

Despite support from some social media users, Angela said she began receiving death threats after the post went viral. “They made memes, putting my face on gorillas,” she said. “They’ve been sending death threats. It was getting to the point where this was affecting my mental health.”

James Black issues apology after public backlash

Following nearly a week of mounting controversy, Superintendent Christian Elkington of Regional School Unit 9 released James Black’s apology letter on Thursday.

“I want to express my sincere regret that this image has caused concern or discomfort within our community,” Black wrote in the letter, published by The Portland Press Herald.

“It was never my intent to create harm, offend, or target any group or individual. The costume was chosen in a lighthearted spirit, without consideration for the broader implications it might have, and I recognize now how it could have been perceived differently by others,” he added. 

Black also assured that he remains devoted to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students. “As a longtime educator, coach, and community supporter in RSU 9, I have always strived to model integrity, inclusion, and respect. Every student in our district deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued, and I remain deeply committed to that mission,” he said. 

James Black’s family defends his intentions, says the photo was private

In a Facebook video posted on Monday, James Black’s sisters, Melissa Black Canty and Carrie Lancaster, defended him, claiming the photos were taken at their family home and never intended for public sharing. “Regardless of your personal views, ICE is a federal agency just like DEA or FBI,” they said. “James did not wear that costume in public or to the middle school.”

They added that their family, which they described as racially diverse, had received “heinous” online abuse since the images circulated. They called on supporters to contact the local school board to express their backing for the principal.

Superintendent Elkington addressed the controversy in his own statement on Thursday, acknowledging how the community had been deeply divided by the situation. “

This has been a challenging week for many members of our community,” he wrote. “Your words and voices matter. As we move forward, let’s welcome different opinions and disagreements with civility and respect, remembering that our students are watching and learning from us all.”

While Black’s apology and the superintendent’s statement called for understanding, many community members continued to demand accountability. Parents and residents said they planned to attend the upcoming school board meeting on November 18 to voice their concerns and push for his resignation if disciplinary action is not taken.