Susan Collins opposes ICE presence at Maine polling places

U.S. Senator Susan Collins has expressed opposition to a proposal by Republican gubernatorial nominee Bobby Charles to station U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at Maine polling places during the November elections.

During a visit to Biddeford, Collins stated she does not “see the need” for an ICE presence on Election Day, noting that such a presence could “intimidate a lot of legitimate American voters” and make them “very uncomfortable.”

Charles previously indicated in an audio recording that he intends to ask the Trump administration, specifically mentioning border czar Tom Homan, to deploy federal immigration agents and Marshals to voting booths to prevent illegal voting. His campaign manager, Dale Crafts Jr., defended the stance, stating Charles will seek all legal means to ensure Maine elections are decided by legal voters. The proposal has faced criticism from Maine Democrats, including Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, particularly as Maine law prohibits law enforcement within 250 feet of voting locations.