Ecuadorian Asylum Seeker Faces Immigration Crackdown Following Traffic Stop in Maine
Oxford, ME — Luis, an Ecuadorian asylum seeker and local contractor, experienced a sudden life-altering event on a routine workday in early April. While heading to a job site in Oxford, he was involved in a minor traffic accident. After providing his driver’s license and insurance to a police officer, he was informed he could leave. However, moments later, authorities returned to arrest him at the job site based on a request from Border Patrol.
A Homeland Security report confirms that Luis, who has lived in the U.S. for over a decade and holds a pending asylum claim, presented a valid New Jersey license with no criminal record. Despite this, Border Patrol deemed his presence in the country illegal. Luis was subsequently transferred to ICE custody in Plymouth, Massachusetts, prompting concerns about the cooperation between local and federal law enforcement in Maine.
Luis’ attorney, Shaan Chatterjee, highlighted the rise in immigration arrests, especially those resulting from simple traffic stops, suggesting such cases reflect the heightened enforcement practices of the current administration. Lisa Parisio from the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project corroborated this trend, noting increased arrests stemming from minor traffic violations.
In response to these developments, the Maine state legislature is considering a bill aimed at limiting local law enforcement’s ability to detain individuals based solely on immigration status. Supporters argue this will allow police to focus on local safety issues, while opponents warn it may hinder law enforcement’s ability to address potential public threats.
Since his release from ICE custody last month, Luis has struggled to rebuild his contracting business and faces ongoing financial pressures. “We have to pay the bills,” he said, acknowledging the risks involved in continuing to work. His next court date is scheduled for September.
This story was reported in partnership with Maine Public.
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