Knox County Sheriff issues statement on state law governing relationship of local law enforcement with federal immigration
Knox County Sheriff Patrick Polky circulated the following statement on LD 1971, An Act to Protect Workers in This State by Clarifying the Relationship of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies with Federal Immigration Authorities
In recent weeks, I have received numerous inquiries about the Knox County Sheriff's Office's position on immigration enforcement and our relationship with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Given the volume of inquiries, I believe it is appropriate to publicly announce the Knox County Sheriff's Office's position and operational standards regarding LD 1971, An Act to Protect Workers in This State by Clarifying the Relationship of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies with Federal Immigration Authorities.
This legislation officially became law on January 11, 2026, and is scheduled to take full effect in July 2026.
I want to inform our community that, as Sheriff, I have already implemented these practices within the organization, ahead of the law's legal enforceability. Our department has long prioritized the core tenets of this legislation to ensure our limited resources are focused on local public safety rather than federal civil immigration enforcement.
The Importance of Police Discretion In law enforcement, we often say, "Just because you can do something does not mean that you should."
This is the essence of police discretion, a critical tool that allows us to distinguish between different levels of public risk and apply our resources where they are most needed.
To illustrate the importance of this discretion, consider the following comparisons:
Public Safety Threat vs. Administrative Violation: If my deputies encounter a known terrorist intent on harming Americans, we will exhaust every available resource and collaborate fully with federal partners to ensure they are stopped. Conversely, if we encounter a migrant worker who is otherwise law-abiding but has missed an administrative immigration hearing, we must ask if using local tax dollars to detain that individual serves the best interests of Knox County.
Serious Harm vs. Civil Non-Compliance: We apply this same logic daily in other areas of law enforcement. We would never treat someone suspected of physically abusing their partner the same as someone who is suspected of failing to pay a vehicle registration tax. While both may technically involve violations of the law, the priority of a sheriff's office must always be protecting people from violence and serious harm.
Ongoing Federal Partnerships
This policy shift is about clarifying roles, not diminishing our professional relationships. The sheriff's office maintains a strong, cooperative working relationship with all of our federal partners. Our federal colleagues have specific missions to fulfill, and we will continue to support them in investigations that cross jurisdictional lines—particularly those involving criminal networks, violent crime, or threats to national security—just as we do with all of our state law enforcement partners.
Our intent is to ensure that local law enforcement remains the primary shield for our community's daily safety while federal agencies handle the complex duties for which they are specifically funded and trained.
Officer Misconduct and Civil Rights Violations
We remain committed to upholding the rights of all residents. If you believe you have witnessed or experienced misconduct or a violation of civil rights by a federal officer, you should report these incidents directly to the appropriate federal authorities. Complaints regarding criminal misconduct or civil rights violations can be submitted directly to ICE. You may also file complaints through the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Maine Field Office or the Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division online portal. Providing detailed information, including dates, locations, and officer identification, is essential for a thorough federal review.
I understand that some of our community members may be reluctant to report allegations directly to these agencies. Complaints of misconduct in Knox County can be made to my office, and we will assist you in getting your complaint to the appropriate agency. You can also contact the Maine Attorney General or the Maine Human Rights Commission.
Our Commitment to Public Safety
LD 1971 reinforces our ability to work with federal agencies on critical investigations, such as the abuse and exploitation of children, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and terrorism. It clarifies that local and state law enforcement should not be diverted to investigate or detain individuals solely for civil immigration purposes without a court order or criminal warrant.
By formalizing these boundaries, as we have already done in Knox County, we ensure that all residents can feel safe reporting crimes and cooperating with our deputies. Our mission remains focused on protecting and serving every member of this community with fairness, free from bias, and with professional judgment.
Complaint Resources
ICE, 1-833-442-3677
Sheriff Patrick W. Polky
301 Park Street
Rockland, ME 04841
207-594-0429
