Lewiston city council passes controversial ordinance blocking ICE cooperation in heated 5-2 vote, sparking intense debate over community safety concerns.
Maine Former Maine councilor gives impassioned speech opposing city blocking cooperation with ICE Despite Tim Gallant’s warnings that the measure neglects the majority of the city’s residents, the council voted 5-2 to implement the ordinance By Louis Casiano Fox News Published February 18, 2026 4:10pm EST Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Former Maine councilman passionately voices opposition to anti-ICE measure Former Lewiston Councilor Tim Gallant spoke against a measure prohibiting city employees from working with federal immigration authorities. (Credit: City of Lewiston) NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A former Maine city councilman gave an impassioned speech during a Tuesday meeting in opposition to an emergency ordinance prohibiting city workers from cooperating with federal immigration authorities, which was passed anyway. Former Lewiston City Councilor Tim Gallant spoke during a public comment period on the measure, which passed in a 5-2 vote. The City Council heard from both supporters and opponents of the ordinance, which blocks city employees, including police, from working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE MAINE OPERATION NABS 200 AS GOVERNOR SEEKS TO ASK TRUMP TO REMOVE AGENTS Former Lewiston City Councilor Tim Gallant (Lewiston City Council) "My biggest problem with all this is you're trying to support 10% of the city by the census in 2025," Gallant said. "What about the other 90%? What are you doing for them?" "How many gunshot issues have we had since ICE came to town? How about zero?" he added. "Look at the police blotter. Zero. When's the last time we had three or four months of zero problems? But that doesn't count. That's not a crime problem, obviously, to the mayor." MINNEAPOLIS-AREA LEADERS CONDEMN ICE, CALL FOR REMOVAL AMID TRUMP DEPORTATION CAMPAIGN Immigration authorities are often seen in photos facing backward to protect their identities following alleged incidents of doxxing. Meanwhile, Matt Kershaw, a Marine veteran, said he supports the ordinance, calling it a responsible move."We had to lock the doors in our church because people were afraid to sit through the service," he said, according to News Center Maine. "So whether or not that's the intent, that is the effect. And I don't think there's anything ridiculous or over-the-top in exerting some reverse federalism here and saying, 'You know what, until you guys figure this out, we're not going to go along with this.'" Video CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP The emergency ordinance is similar to a recently passed state law that also limits cooperation with federal immigration officials, but that law won't take effect until the summer. The Lewiston ordinance will fill that gap in the meantime. Gallant noted the state measure in his remarks, saying city officials should be more concerned with public safety. "You need to think about public safety and how we take care of it," he said. "You need to think about how to get ICE back in here because if we didn't have people who are illegal, they wouldn't be here. You know, I keep hearing they're hiding in their houses. If you're not illegal, why do you hide in your house?"Once passed, the emergency ordinance took effect immediately. However, it expires in 60 days. Lawmakers will vote whether to make the ordinance permanent at the next city council meeting. Louis Casiano is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to
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