LePage Condemns ICE Deportation of Relative with Work Permit

Key points

• LePage disclosed that his son’s father-in-law is being deported despite having a valid work permit, calling the action 'not right.'
• LePage stated that ICE should focus on 'people in the gangs and the criminals' rather than individuals who have lived in the U.S. for decades with work permits.
• The remarks were made at an event in Augusta where LePage received an endorsement from the Maine Fraternal Order of Police.
• LePage criticized a new Maine law that limits cooperation between state/local police and federal immigration authorities, arguing for unified law enforcement efforts.
• LePage called on Congress to overhaul immigration laws, stating the current system needs to be fixed.

Background

LePage is running for the open 2nd Congressional District seat in Maine, a swing district that previously voted for Democrat Jared Golden. His campaign has centered on border security and law enforcement. In August, Vice President J.D. Vance campaigned in Maine, endorsing LePage and framing the midterms as a fight against socialism. Recent archive coverage also highlighted the deportation of military families, including the wife of an Army sergeant, which has drawn national attention to the reach of Trump-era immigration enforcement.

How outlets are covering it

The Washington Post and Bangor Daily News reported that LePage’s comments were made in response to a question from a reporter, emphasizing the personal nature of the disclosure. The Portland Press Herald noted that data from the Deportation Data Project shows that only about 20% of the 200 people detained in Maine during the January ICE surge had criminal convictions, contradicting the administration’s claim that it was targeting the 'worst of the worst.' WMTW highlighted LePage’s criticism of a Maine law that limits police cooperation with ICE, framing his comments as part of a broader push for law enforcement unity. All sources agree that LePage’s stance is a shift from his previous support for broad immigration enforcement, but they differ in emphasis: some focus on the personal family aspect, while others highlight the data on ICE’s effectiveness in Maine.

Why it matters

LePage’s comments could impact his campaign in a swing district where immigration is a contentious issue. His stance may alienate some conservative voters who support broad immigration enforcement, but it could also resonate with moderate voters who are concerned about the deportation of legal residents. The comments also highlight the tension between federal and state immigration policies in Maine, where a new law limits cooperation between state and federal authorities.

What to watch

LePage’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the specific details of the deportation case. The 2026 midterms are approaching, and LePage will likely continue to campaign on law enforcement and immigration issues. The outcome of the 2nd Congressional District race could influence the balance of power in Congress and the direction of national immigration policy.