Research shows exposure to severe immigration enforcement experiences during childhood carries long-term, significant consequences for both physical and mental health. (Adobe Stock) Listen to the story HERE BY Kathryn Carley Jul 21, 2026 ICE raids continue to escalate in Maine and legal aid groups said young people are increasingly the target. For decades, unaccompanied minors who suffered abuse or neglect […]
Research shows exposure to severe immigration enforcement experiences during childhood carries long-term, significant consequences for both physical and mental health. (Adobe Stock)
Listen to the story HERE
Jul 21, 2026
ICE raids continue to escalate in Maine and legal aid groups said young people are increasingly the target.
For decades, unaccompanied minors who suffered abuse or neglect have been given Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and allowed to remain in the U.S. In May, the Trump administration removed the protections, exposing them to arrest and deportation.
Lisa Parisio, policy director for the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project in Portland, said the juveniles are now living in a constant state of fear.
“We have just seen and heard so many reports from families – young people of working age who are afraid to go to work, afraid to seek higher education, afraid to just start their lives,” Parisio reported.
A ProPublica analysis of court data shows the young people are being detained and deported at roughly three times the rate as during the first Trump presidency, with more than 10,000 removal and voluntary departure orders issued each month. Federal authorities said claims for protected status are rife with fraud and a backlog of renewal applications is not a reason to delay their removal. Democratic lawmakers are demanding answers as to why these backlogs are occurring.
Reports show abused youth now face unsafe conditions in federal detention facilities, including a lack of clean water, food or medical care.
Parisio noted last week’s deadly ICE shooting in Biddeford of a young father on his way to work has only heightened the terror people are experiencing.
“The entire future of our state of Maine is being diminished every single day,” Parisio contended. “We must call on Congress to reel in this administration and protect the rights and safety of every single person living in our communities.”
Parisio added ICE officers have focused on schools as part of their operation strategy, arresting parents after drop-offs — even following children home.
Starting July 29, a new state law aims to prevent ICE searches at schools, libraries or medical facilities. Local law enforcement will now be restricted from cooperating with federal immigration agencies and landlords will not be allowed to share sensitive tenant information with federal agents.
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