'Over my dead body': Gov Janet Mills blocks ICE from Maine polls, calls it 'sign of dictatorship'

WASHINGTON, DC: Maine Governor Janet Mills on Saturday, March 28, said Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers will not be permitted at polling places in Maine, as concerns grow over federal immigration enforcement tactics.

Speaking ahead of the upcoming elections, Mills strongly opposed the idea of ICE presence at voting locations. 

Her remarks come amid broader tensions between state officials and the federal government over immigration policy. The governor has also called for direct talks with the White House following recent enforcement actions.

Janet Mills rejects ICE presence at polling locations

Mills said she would not allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers near polling places in Maine during the upcoming elections, citing concerns about voter interference and intimidation.

Speaking on a television program, she stated, “Over my dead body will they come to my polling places in Maine and try to disturb and harass voters.”

The governor emphasized that Maine has historically recorded high voter turnout and said state officials would ensure that elections proceed without disruption. “We will make sure that ICE does not come anywhere near our polling places,” she said.

Mills described the prospect of federal immigration agents at voting sites as unprecedented. “That’s unheard of,” she added. “It’s a sign of dictatorship, someone who thinks he’s king and does not respect this democracy.”

Mills also indicated she planned to participate in protests in Maine, aligning with broader public demonstrations related to immigration enforcement.

Janet Mills seeks Trump meeting and urges federal agent withdrawal

Mills also requested a meeting with President Donald Trump following a series of enforcement actions tied to the administration’s immigration crackdown.

Her request came after federal agents fatally shot a second person in Minneapolis, an incident that has drawn national attention.

In a statement released on January 24, Mills said, “I am appalled and heartbroken by reports of yet another killing at the hands of federal immigration agents.”

“President Trump and (Homeland Security) Secretary (Kristi) Noem’s weaponization of Federal law enforcement against the people they are meant to serve is not only a grave violation of the Constitution, but a threat to the lives of law-abiding people in the cities and states they seek to occupy, including Maine,” she added.

The concerns follow the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) announcement of 'Operation Catch of the Day', which includes deploying federal agents to Maine as part of broader immigration enforcement efforts.

Mills called on the administration to reverse course, saying, “As Governor, I am requesting that the president of the United States meet with me so that I can demand in person that his Administration withdraw these untrained and reckless ICE agents in Maine and across the country who are stoking fear in communities, arresting legally present people, including law enforcement officials, and who pose a grave threat to public safety.”

Mills concluded by encouraging peaceful civic engagement, stating, “I am proud of Maine people for standing up in peaceful protest across our state, and I continue to encourage peaceful protest as we show the world that we will always stand up for our values, support for the rule of law, due process, compassion, integrity, and justice.”