LEWISTON- On Tuesday night, the City Council voted to limit the cooperation that city employees can give to federal immigration enforcement officials.
The measure was passed as an emergency ordinance, requiring a supermajority of the Council for support. It passed by a vote of 5-2.
Normal ordinances require two public hearings and a final vote for passage, then take 44 days to become effective. Emergency ordinances, which require 5 votes for approval, can bypass those rules, but they only remain in effect for 60 days.
Council President David Chittim, who led the drafting of the emergency ordinance, announced at the Tuesday meeting that the Council will vote on first reading of an identical permanent ordinance at its next meeting.
According to the emergency ordinance, all state and federal laws will continue to be enforced, as well as judicial warrants.
“Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed to limit any city employee or municipal department from enforcing state and local criminal laws,” the ordinance reads.
According to Chittim, Police Chief Carly Conley gave feedback that helped decide the ordinance language.
In January, the state enacted a law that limits local Maine law enforcement agencies from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement agencies. That law won’t take affect until 90 days after the current legislative session adjourns.
Tuesday night’s emergency ordinance (and likely permanent ordinance) not only fills in the gap until the state law takes effect, but applies to all city employees, not just police department employees.
Councilor Joshua Nagine felt the emergency ordinance was important as a way to shield the city from financial liability, should someone be wrongfully detained and decide to file a lawsuit.
Councilors Susan Longchamps and Bret Martel were the two “no” votes.