Families in Maine scramble to halt ICE’s transfer of detainees out of state

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Cate Brown in WashingtonJanuary 28, 2026 at 02:55 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Following a large federal immigration crackdown in Maine this week, families and attorneys are struggling to locate over 200 detainees and prevent their transfer out of state by ICE. Attorneys say transferring detainees out of Maine makes it harder to reach them and increases their risk of deportation. The transfers also hinder lawyers' ability to file habeas petitions, which challenge detention and must be filed where the detainee is held. A recent ruling eliminated bond eligibility for those who crossed the border unlawfully, increasing the importance of habeas petitions. One sheriff criticized ICE's tactics, and the Department of Homeland Security stated those arrested were "the worst of the worst" who had been "charged and convicted of horrific crimes."

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Donald Trump 30% Portland 35% Cumberland county jail 40% Tricia McLaughlin 40% Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 40% Kevin Joyce ×250% Haven Immigration Law 50% United States 60% Jenny Beverly ×470% Maine ×685% Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ×290%

Keywords

ice 90% immigration crackdown 90% detainees 80% transfer out of state 80% immigration attorneys 70% habeas petitions 70% removal from us 60% legal protections 60% maine 50% federal immigration agency 50%