AGP Executive Report

ICE Out of Maine: Maine lawmakers are pushing DHS to cooperate with the state AG’s investigation into the Biddeford ICE killing of Johan Guerrero, while Scarborough leaders passed a proclamation calling for scrutiny of the local ICE facility—though some residents say it doesn’t go far enough. Legal Fight Over Surveillance: Three activists sued DHS/ICE/CBP alleging retaliation and illegal surveillance tied to Global Entry revocations after documenting ICE activity. Immigration Policy Shift: ACLU of Maine and others are pressing claims about mistreatment and profiling as new state limits on police cooperation with immigration enforcement take effect. Maine Crime: Kennebec County deputies are investigating an armed robbery at a licensed Belgrade marijuana grow where a couple was tied up and marijuana and cash were stolen. Housing Policy: The Maine Office of Community Affairs is taking over regulation of manufactured housing, aiming to keep supply affordable and improve safety, with public input starting in September. Energy & Climate: Williams College is expanding campus solar, adding about 1 MW of behind-the-meter capacity. National Watch: A report says U.S. Patriot and THAAD interceptor stockpiles are severely depleted after the Iran conflict.

Immigration & Public Safety: Maine lawmakers are pressing DHS for ICE reform and accountability after the Biddeford fatal shooting of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, arguing ICE conduct is eroding trust while still demanding due process. State Law Changes: Dozens of new Maine laws take effect Wednesday, including major “ICE Out of” rules that limit police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and restrict sharing sensitive info by schools, hospitals, libraries, and landlords. ACLU Legal Push: The ACLU of Maine is seeking more than $5 million in damages under the Federal Tort Claims Act over alleged violent, unjustified immigration arrests tied to a broader nationwide escalation. Elections & Money: A federal appeals court heard Maine’s test case over regulating super PAC spending, with arguments focused on whether the referendum can curb corruption without overturning Citizens United. Maine Senate Race: Gov. Janet Mills stopped short of endorsing Troy Jackson but said Susan Collins is “vulnerable” and “should be defeated,” as Jackson ramps up for the fall. Healthcare & EMS: Maine’s congressional delegation asked the DEA to clarify guidance that they say is forcing EMS agencies to pay thousands more for emergency controlled substances. Local Crime Update: State police identified a woman shot in Avon during an alleged child custody dispute; investigators say the incident is isolated and the shooter is cooperating.

Maine Senate race: Gov. Janet Mills says Susan Collins is “vulnerable” and “should be defeated,” but she stopped short of endorsing newly nominated Democrat Troy Jackson, while the nomination process still leaves some Democrats uneasy. Immigration enforcement at the state level: New Maine laws taking effect this week limit when state and local police can cooperate with federal immigration officials, including restrictions tied to civil enforcement. ICE scrutiny in Maine: A Bangor Daily News report revisits the conduct of an ICE officer linked to a fatal Biddeford shooting, raising questions about aggressive stops beyond the original targets. Election tech debate: Ohio is using an AI chatbot to help election officials answer questions from the election manual, while Maine remains cautious about AI in elections. National politics & messaging: A USA Today piece highlights how progressive independent media ecosystems are reshaping Democratic politics, and a separate report notes some Democrats are still pushing to defeat Collins despite the Platner fallout. Housing: Five Aroostook County mobile home parks are listed for sale, underscoring ongoing pressure on Maine’s housing stock.

Immigration Enforcement & State Limits: Maine’s “ICE Out” laws kick in Wednesday, tightening when local police and landlords can cooperate with federal immigration operations and requiring warrants for access to sensitive public spaces like schools and hospitals. Federal Crackdown on Robocalls: Maine AG Brenna Bird joined a bipartisan push urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to stop illegal robocalls by targeting originating voice providers. Maine Law Takes Effect: A wave of new Mills-signed measures starts Wednesday, including a supplemental budget with affordability and housing investments, $300 relief checks, expanded free school meals, and childcare and education funding. Maine Senate Race Scrutiny: A Republican lawmaker is challenging Troy Jackson’s eligibility to be the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, while a separate fact-check targets a GOP ad’s claim that Jackson “hit” a female colleague in 2021. ICE Accountability Pressure: A new ACLU report alleges widespread misconduct in Trump-era immigration enforcement, adding to the mounting scrutiny after high-profile Maine-related incidents. Public Safety & Courts: A former Spruce Mountain teacher faces assault charges after an alleged incident with a female student, with a court date set for late September.

Maine Senate race: Former VP Kamala Harris endorsed Maine Democrat Troy Jackson, backing the last-minute replacement nominee after Graham Platner withdrew amid scandal; the endorsement lands as Democrats try to keep momentum in a race seen as pivotal for Senate control. ICE and public safety: White House border czar Tom Homan says the vetting of the ICE officer tied to a deadly Maine shooting is under internal review, after allegations of abuse and restraining orders raised questions about how the officer was cleared. Immigration enforcement debate: A separate report argues ICE is not just enforcing immigration law but targeting, as protests and vigils continue nationwide for people killed in enforcement actions, including Maine cases. Local governance and housing: Rangeley is studying its housing market after residents showed little interest in serving on a committee, a sign of how Maine’s resort boom is colliding with worker housing shortages. State politics and policy: Maine’s new medical debt law is getting attention as advocates push it as a family-protection measure, while lawmakers and courts continue to shape how health costs hit households. Federal politics with Maine stakes: Susan Collins advanced Trump intelligence nominee Jay Clayton, a move that keeps her central to national oversight even as she faces scrutiny in her reelection fight.

ICE vetting in Maine under review: After an ICE officer shot and killed Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford, the Trump border czar says the officer’s training and hiring vetting are now under internal review, reigniting scrutiny of how federal agents are screened and deployed. Maine Senate race heats up: With Troy Jackson now set to face Sen. Susan Collins, Republicans are shifting attacks to Jackson and tying him to his predecessor’s scandals, while Jewish Maine Democrats say they feel “politically homeless” over Jackson’s Israel rhetoric. SAVE Act pressure on Congress: Trump again demanded Senate Majority Leader John Thune cancel the August recess and end the filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act, as GOP leaders say they lack the votes. Medical debt protections take effect in Maine: A new law limiting liens and wage garnishments for medical debt is set to go into effect, aiming to prevent medical emergencies from turning into family financial crises. Courtroom accountability in Maine healthcare: A Kennebec County jury awarded $17 million to a woman whose bladder was mistakenly removed during surgery at Northern Light Inland Hospital. Public safety and local honors: Route 3 in Trenton was dedicated to fallen Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputy Luke Gross, and Caribou is considering tighter animal control rules that could change how residents manage dog ownership.

Maine Senate Race: Maine Democrats have formally crowned Troy Jackson as the replacement nominee after the Graham Platner debacle, setting up a high-stakes sprint to challenge Sen. Susan Collins—while Democrats face fresh questions about vetting and whether the new candidate can unify the party. ICE in Maine: Trump’s border czar Tom Homan says the vetting of an ICE officer tied to a fatal Maine shooting is under internal review, after relatives alleged serious mental health struggles and violent behavior; the case has reignited scrutiny of ICE hiring, training, and vehicle-stop enforcement. Healthcare & Rural Hospitals: A Maine-focused op-ed argues Susan Collins is central to a “bait and switch” in the One Big Beautiful Bill, warning rural hospitals could still face major Medicare/Medicaid cuts despite promised rural funding. Campaign Finance in Maine: A separate legal fight over Maine’s 2024 super PAC contribution limits heads toward federal court, with supporters saying the case could reshape how money in politics is treated nationwide. Agriculture & Climate: A new report highlights how extreme weather is hitting Northeast farms, and Maine producers say the “wet years” problem is forcing constant adaptation.

ICE Vetting Under Fire: Trump’s border czar Tom Homan admitted on CNN he doesn’t know whether ICE officers involved in fatal Maine and Texas shootings are on administrative leave, and said that if allegations about the Maine officer’s prior abuse are true, he “should never have cleared vetting,” with DHS reviewing training and internal affairs looking at the case. Maine Senate Reset: Maine Democrats formally nominated former state Senate president Troy Jackson to replace Graham Platner, launching a 101-day sprint to unseat Sen. Susan Collins; Jackson starts with a fundraising gap versus Collins’ $11M cash on hand, while Republicans are already trying to frame him as an “insider.” Israel Policy Spotlight in Maine: Jackson’s campaign is also being defined by his Gaza stance, including calling Israel’s war “genocide” and pledging to reject U.S. military aid to Israel, drawing unease from some Maine Jewish voters.

Maine Senate Race: Maine Democrats formally crowned former Senate President Troy Jackson as their nominee to replace Graham Platner, setting up a November showdown with Sen. Susan Collins after Platner’s withdrawal over sexual assault allegations. Election Process Watch: A GOP state lawmaker is now challenging whether Jackson is legally eligible as a replacement, raising the possibility of ballot fights before certification. ICE and Maine Fallout: The Biddeford community is still reeling after Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero was shot and killed by an ICE agent, with residents pressing city leaders over what they can do against federal enforcement. National Immigration Pressure: Across the country, faith groups and immigrant advocates staged marches and vigils after ICE-related deaths, while reporting also points to plans to target Haitians as Temporary Protected Status ends. Courts and Maine Values: A First Circuit ruling says private religious schools that take public funds must follow Maine anti-discrimination rules, including limits tied to gender identity and sexual orientation. Defense Politics: Susan Collins criticized Defense leadership over denying promotions to female and Black military members, calling it “deeply troubling.”

Maine Senate Race Reset: Maine Democrats formally selected former state Senate president and logger Troy Jackson as their U.S. Senate nominee in Bangor, ending the scramble after Graham Platner withdrew amid sexual-assault allegations he denies; Jackson won 566 of 571 delegate votes and immediately framed the fight as a working-class push against Susan Collins, with the general election now set for 101 days. Campaign Scrutiny: Republicans and outside groups quickly pivoted to attack Jackson’s temperament and past conduct, including claims about “anger” and intimidation, while Democrats try to unify after the Platner debacle. ICE Backlash in Maine and Beyond: A national wave of protests continued after ICE-related killings, including a vigil in Chicago for two men killed in separate ICE incidents—one in Maine—showing how immigration enforcement is driving political pressure. Federal Courts, Voting Rules: The First Circuit blocked parts of Trump’s election-integrity executive order in 23 states and D.C., keeping limits on DHS citizenship-list distribution and certain mail-ballot changes in place while appeals proceed. Local Public Safety: Maine State Police and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a shooting in Avon involving family members, with the victim life-flighted and details still limited. Aviation Incident: A Delta flight from Portland to LaGuardia returned to Portland Jetport after smoke was reported in the cockpit; passengers deplaned and Delta is handling impacts.

Maine Senate Shakeup: Maine Democrats will formally nominate Troy Jackson in Bangor on Saturday to replace Graham Platner and take on Sen. Susan Collins, after Jackson’s delegate sweep and rivals dropping out left a fast, unusual path to the top of the ticket. Election Process Fight: A Maine GOP lawmaker is urging Secretary of State Shenna Bellows to block Jackson’s nomination, arguing the party vacancy process can’t be used after losing another statewide race—setting up a legal and procedural flashpoint right before delegates vote. ICE Accountability in the Spotlight: U.S. senators including Peter Welch are pressing DHS for body cameras and stronger ICE officer identification after fatal ICE-related shootings in Maine and Texas, while separate reporting says a substance found in a Houston ICE victim’s van tested negative for drugs. Federal Grants Under Pressure: Kentucky and other states are suing FEMA and DHS over disaster-preparedness grant conditions tied to immigration and election changes, arguing the administration is using public safety money as leverage. Local Government EMS Rule: Maine EMS issued guidance requiring towns to adopt and post municipal emergency medical transport plans under a new state statute.

Maine Senate Shake-Up: Maine Democrats are set to name Troy Jackson as their nominee to replace Graham Platner, with Jackson effectively locked in after rivals dropped out ahead of the July 25 convention. ICE Under Scrutiny in Maine: Court records and reporting say the ICE agent tied to the Biddeford fatal shooting is in protective custody, as investigators and Maine officials continue looking into the circumstances. Border/Immigration Legal Fight: Maine is part of a multi-state lawsuit challenging Trump administration conditions on FEMA and DHS emergency funds that would force election changes and immigration enforcement cooperation. Mullin Reentry Case: A Maine doctor barred from returning to the U.S. after a CBP decision has been identified in a court filing, as she sues DHS leadership to overturn the denial. Public Safety & Courts: In Wisconsin, the state DOJ joined a coalition suing over similar federal funding conditions tied to election and immigration demands. Local Governance: Fairfield scheduled a special town meeting for September to revisit rejected budget articles, including an administrative assistant position and capital spending items. National Politics: Trump downplayed fears that the Iran war could hurt Republicans in the midterms, while Congress continues to split over war powers.

Maine Senate Shake-Up: Maine Democrats will hold a U.S. Senate nominating convention Saturday in Bangor to pick the replacement for withdrawn candidate Graham Platner, with Troy Jackson and Saundra Pelletier on the ballot. ICE, Body Cams, and Maine Fallout: A new report highlights how ICE body-cam spending lagged after high-profile Maine and Texas shootings, while protests and renewed scrutiny keep pressure on federal immigration enforcement. Juniper Ridge Fight: The Penobscot Nation and conservation groups returned to court to challenge Juniper Ridge Landfill expansion over PFAS, air pollution, and environmental justice concerns. PFAS Compliance Tool: A searchable database tracks how well Maine’s “forever chemicals” cookware ban is being followed online, after nonprofit testing found most companies moved quickly. Energy Affordability: An opinion piece argues Maine should center heating costs and electrification choices, using state fuel-cost comparisons to push for practical alternatives. National Politics With Maine Links: The House passed an NDAA provision expanding U.S.-Israel defense industrial integration, with Maine Democrat Jared Golden among supporters. Legal News: An Eddington man was convicted in federal court for online threats targeting Kamala Harris, Jewish people, Maine law enforcement, and Elon Musk.

War Powers Showdown: The U.S. House passed a Democratic-led resolution to restrict Trump’s Iran war powers, with four Republicans joining Democrats (214-208). The Senate rejected a similar measure (47-49), leaving the conflict—and political pressure—intact. Maine Land-Use Input: Maine’s Land Use Planning Commission is asking residents and property owners for feedback on the next Comprehensive Land Use Plan update, covering about half the state’s unorganized territories. Juniper Ridge Court Fight: Opponents of the Juniper Ridge Landfill expansion returned to court arguing Maine DEP still isn’t meeting environmental justice requirements for the Penobscot Nation; the state and Casella say safeguards would protect the river. ICE Oversight in Maine: After Maine and Texas ICE shootings, House Democrats say one ICE officer was referred for discipline over a use-of-force incident, as calls grow for stronger oversight and body cameras. Counterterrorism Funding Lawsuits: Multiple states—including AG Tong—are suing over FEMA/DHS conditions that would tie disaster and counterterrorism grants to election and immigration-related demands.

Maine Senate Politics: New polling suggests young voters (18-34) could be decisive in Troy Jackson’s bid to replace Graham Platner and challenge Susan Collins, with Jackson tied in a UNH survey and leading among women and younger voters. Immigration Enforcement & Local Action: Waterville became the latest Maine city to ban municipal employees from assisting ICE, citing the Biddeford shooting of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero and similar ordinances in Portland, Lewiston, and Rockland. ICE Oversight Pressure: A federal judge barred deportation of a witness tied to an ICE shooting in Houston while a habeas petition is pending, as scrutiny grows after fatal ICE encounters in Maine and Texas. Housing Cost Crunch: A new report says Maine minimum-wage earners need to work 86 hours a week to afford a two-bedroom apartment, underscoring affordability pressure ahead of the midterms. Conservation Win: Blue Hill’s blueberry barrens protection effort is complete, with 38 acres transferred to the Blue Hill Heritage Trust to stop a planned subdivision. Opioid Spending Debate: Aroostook County’s opioid task force is proposing new bylaws after controversy over using opioid settlement funds to hire a school cop.

Maine ICE oversight: Waterville City Council voted to bar city employees from cooperating with ICE, a move tied to the recent Biddeford ICE shooting and state law changes coming next week. ICE accountability push: In Washington, Democratic lawmakers say only one ICE use-of-force referral has been made since the Trump administration began, as they press for body cameras and tougher oversight after fatal shootings in Maine and Texas. Maine criminal case: An Eddington man was convicted in federal court of transmitting interstate threatening communications, including threats against Vice President Kamala Harris and Maine law enforcement. Public safety and labor: Maine’s state trooper was suspended for punching a handcuffed woman in the face, the first sustained excessive-force finding in years. Local government & services: Bangor is reminding eligible property owners about state and city tax relief options ahead of upcoming bills. Health and education: Maine Maritime Academy revised its graduation-rate figure upward after an earlier calculation error, while still aiming to improve outcomes. Environment & law: Maine joins a coalition of Democratic attorneys general challenging the Trump administration’s onshore wind freeze. National policy ripple: The Senate Health Committee advanced an insulin cost cap bill backed by Susan Collins, and SNAP enrollment fell in New Hampshire after federal cuts.