Two rallies with differing views of the recent surge in federal illegal immigration enforcement lined two slices of Route 1 in Scarborough on Wednesday. Both groups held their signs, waving in response to honking horns of encouragement, and taking jeers and crude gestures in stride.

Over 60 people lined the corridor by Scarborough’s Town Hall and Public Safety Building, protesting the practices of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Just over a mile down Route 1, at the corner of Lincoln Street, by the Holy Donut, around two dozen people stood to express their support for ICE and law enforcement.

People trickled in and out at both affairs, which were scheduled to run from 4-6 p.m.

The dueling rallies came in the wake of a letter U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree sent Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem last month, saying federal officials were prohibiting immigration appointments in Maine, and calling for a tour of the Scarborough facility.

The rally in front of Town Hall was organized by the Scarborough Democrats.

“We want to denounce what ICE is doing nationally and in our community,” said Louise Secordel, a co-organizer.

At the corner of Lincoln Street, ralliers were responding to the protesters at Town Hall. Trish Burnell, a veteran who organized the rally in support of ICE, said their counterparts had originally planned to march down to the ICE facility nearby on Manson Libby Road and she was concerned about there being violence.

“Even though we haven’t had anything like that happen yet here in Maine, I was going to make sure they weren’t going to be the first ones,” Burnell said.

Organizers of the rally against ICE said the change of plans was due to safety, as well as accessibility with the Town Hall and high school parking lots in close proximity.

LACK OF TRANSPARENCY

Scarborough has been grappling with the lack of transparency from ICE, the protesters said, and people are concerned about detainees’ right to due process.

Jon Anderson, chair of Scarborough Democrats and a town councilor, said that ICE has “not been willing to cooperate” in providing information on what’s happening at the facility.

“Share with us what’s going on and, if you do that, I think we can find a way to have you in our community,” Anderson said. “If you can’t, then maybe you shouldn’t be in our community.”

Residents have been pleading with the Town Council for exactly that, Secordel said.

“That spurred us to communicate with Chellie Pingree’s office,” she said. “We are in full support of her (letter).”

Joshua Anderson, a Scarborough resident, said protesting is “the bare minimum” that people can do.

“We need to show any support that we can,” he said.

A number of South Portland residents also turned up at Scarborough Town Hall on Wednesday.

“We’re supporting our neighbors in Scarborough, who have an ICE facility in their town,” said Barbara Dee, of South Portland. “We’re tired of what’s going on in this country and the incredible damage that’s been done.”

Sue Henderson, of South Portland, said ICE’s practices are “shameful beyond belief.”

“I can’t believe that this could happen in our country,” she said. “Masked people, unidentified, grabbing people and taking them to places unknown.”

Barbara Inman, of South Portland, said a lack of due process was a major sticking point for her.

“We understand there’s a problem with immigration, but we don’t like the way it’s being handled,” she said.

UPHOLDING THE LAW

At the corner of Route 1 and Lincoln Avenue, which is located between the protesters at Town Hall and the ICE facility on Manson Libby Road, ralliers showed their support for law enforcement with signs and flags.

“I am going to support them and the way that they support Americans by upholding the law,” Burnell, the organizer, said.

She said that if people followed immigration laws, there wouldn’t be a problem.

“If you want to come here, please do it legally. We will welcome you with open arms,” Burnell said. “We are not against anybody from another country. We just want the laws upheld.”

David Jones, a gubernatorial Republican candidate, said he is tired of seeing “people taking shots at ICE.”

“These men and women, they protect and enforce the laws of the United States,” Jones said. “If you believe in the rule of law, then the laws must be enforced. If you don’t like the law, then you elect people who will change the law.”

Jones said that amidst the protests against ICE across the country, it feels important to show that there are people who support them.

“It’s up to us, the citizens, to stand like we’re doing here today and show them that we have their backs,” Jones said.