Our local UMPSA union, the Maine Education Association (MEA), and the National Education Association (NEA) operate as a powerful three-tiered advocacy network. While our local union addresses the immediate needs of our specific district and the MEA champions legislative priorities in Augusta, the NEA connects us to a national movement. This partnership ensures that the challenges we face in Maine—from school funding to student safety—are supported by the legal resources, research, and political influence of the nation’s largest professional organization.
A critical example of this collaboration is the NEA’s active involvement in the federal lawsuit PCUN v. Noem. The NEA is fighting to restore “sensitive locations” protections that have traditionally prevented immigration enforcement at schools and universities. By challenging policies that allow ICE to be present near educational settings, the NEA is working to ensure that all employees and students, regardless of their background, feel safe and supported when they arrive on a university campus. You can learn more at NEA Immigration resources.
To strengthen this legal challenge, the NEA needs to demonstrate the real-world impact these enforcement activities have on our school communities. If you have witnessed or been affected by ICE presence at or near a school, your story can provide vital evidence for the case. Please consider sharing your experience by completing the NEA’s online member story form. Your voice is essential in helping our national partners protect the sanctity of our learning environments.
While we hope enhanced Immigration enforcement in Maine has truly ended, it is best to be prepared. If you are BIPOC employee, who may be more vulnerable, make sure that you are prepared for responding to ICE immigration enforcement activity.