Former Maine Gov. Paul LePage (R), now a congressional candidate, broke with the Trump administration's immigration enforcement on Monday, revealing that his son's father-in-law is being deported. LePage called the situation "not right" and suggested that federal authorities are targeting the wrong people.
Speaking to reporters, LePage said his relative is being removed because "he came from a country that's not to the liking of certain people" in Washington, D.C. He emphasized that the man holds a valid work permit and should be allowed to remain in the United States. "That's not right. He has a work permit. He should be allowed to stay," LePage said, according to video aired by WGME-TV in Portland.
The remarks come as Maine experiences a surge in immigration enforcement under President Trump's crackdown. WGME-TV reported last month that federal immigration officers have made 482 arrests in the state so far this year, citing data from the Deportation Data Project. The state has also seen high-profile incidents, including the July shooting death of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, a 25-year-old Colombian man, by an ICE officer in Biddeford. Guerrero was not the target of the warrant being executed, according to Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), and his death sparked backlash from Democratic lawmakers and local residents.
LePage, who served as governor from 2011 to 2019, said he would "probably" not pursue migrants who have "been here for decades" and have work permits. Instead, he argued that federal enforcement should focus on "gangs" and individuals with criminal records. His stance appears to diverge from the administration's broad deportation efforts, which have drawn criticism from immigrant advocates and some lawmakers.
The former governor is running in Maine's 2nd Congressional District to succeed outgoing Rep. Jared Golden (D). His Democratic opponent is state auditor Matthew Dunlap. As of Wednesday, Decision Desk HQ gives LePage a 64 percent chance of winning the general election.
LePage's comments also highlight a personal dimension to the immigration debate, as he has previously been a vocal supporter of strict border enforcement. His decision to speak out against a specific deportation case may resonate with voters in a district that has seen significant immigration enforcement activity.
The incident has also drawn attention to the broader tensions in Maine over federal immigration policy. Maine's senators have been active on other federal issues, but immigration remains a contentious topic. LePage's remarks could complicate his campaign, as he seeks to balance conservative credentials with local concerns about enforcement.
Meanwhile, the state's congressional delegation has been divided on immigration. Some Maine Democrats have shown willingness to work with Republicans on certain issues, but the deportation case may sharpen partisan lines. LePage's criticism of ICE's priorities could also put him at odds with the Trump-aligned wing of his party, though he remains a strong favorite in the race.
As the November election approaches, LePage's stance on immigration will likely be scrutinized by both supporters and opponents. His personal connection to the deportation case adds a human element to a policy debate that has often been abstract. Whether his comments will sway voters remains to be seen, but they have already sparked discussion in Maine's political circles.
