On ICE, tribal rights, data centers, Charles is outlier in gubernatorial field

On a wide range of issues from immigration enforcement to tribal sovereignty, reproductive rights to data centers, Republican Bobby Charles was the clear outlier in the second gubernatorial debate Thursday evening.

Hosted by the Portland Press Herald, Maine Public and News Center Maine in front of a live audience in Bangor, the three candidates reiterated some of their stances on housing, affordability and taxes, but were also asked to weigh in on social issues that have often put the state at odds with President Donald Trump’s administration.

Independent Rick Bennett and Democrat Hannah Pingree generally agreed on the need to protect Mainers from the impact of the Trump administration’s cuts to reproductive healthcare funding, aggressive immigration enforcement and tariffs that have resulted in rising costs. Charles, although selectively critical of Canadian tariffs, largely supported federal policies, instead repeatedly blaming what he called the “Mills-Pingree” administration, in reference to Pingree’s work under Gov. Janet Mills, for the range of challenges facing Mainers.

Unlike the first debate, Bennett did not criticize Charles’ positions even when they differed vastly from his own. 

All three candidates were asked about the fatal July shooting of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford as well as federal immigration enforcement that has incited fear among immigrant communities, with the vast majority of people targeted being legally present and without criminal records. 

Charles blamed the shooting on a Maine law that had not yet taken  effect for  a lapse in communication between local and federal law enforcement, and said he would repeal the new law if elected.

“I would argue that Biddeford probably wouldn’t have happened if the sanctuary state law didn’t exist here, because the comms … were sidelined,” he said. “The comms between local and state and feds would have been clear.”

Emergency calls made in the minutes after immigration agents fatally shot Durán Guerrero demonstrated a lack of communication between federal and local authorities, according to records obtained by Maine Morning Star. Federal agents only notified local law enforcement of the fatal shooting after it happened by calling the dispatch center.

Charles also said that he supported legal immigration, and said body cameras should have been worn by agents in Biddeford, but did not explain what actions he would take as governor to address heightened immigration enforcement.

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In contrast, Pingree and Bennett strongly criticized the Trump administration’s actions. Bennett said immigrants contribute to the state and help make it culturally rich, and criticized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement  agents targeting people based on skin color.

“I’m deeply disturbed by ICE’s presence, by the fear and harm that they actually create,” he said.

“And I’m increasingly concerned by the politicization of federal law enforcement to accomplish ends that politicians in Washington want to inflict.”

Pingree said she wants to see ICE out of Maine, which the governor has limited power to accomplish. She was also the only candidate to support taking legal action against federal agents. 

“I would work with other governors across this country and attorneys general to hold ICE accountable for their unlawful actions across this country and here in the state of Maine,” she said. 

“We will also protect people as they’re going to school, in courthouses, in hospitals. We need to do everything possible to keep people safe.”

The American Civil Liberties Union has identified Maine as one of a handful of states with laws on the books that can hold federal officers accountable. Several Maine residents, including some who were detained and later released by ICE, have used these laws to sue the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Tribal sovereignty

Pingree and Bennett were also aligned in their support for fully restoring tribal sovereignty. Bennett referenced his record in the Legislature where he voted for bills that Mills ultimately vetoed. Pingree has frequently pointed to tribal sovereignty as the key difference between her and the current governor, which she reiterated on Thursday. She added that she expects to be endorsed by four tribal chiefs on Friday.

“I have made it a priority in my first 100 days in office, and I would work in collaboration with the tribal governments to ensure that we have a much better relationship,” she said.

“This is an issue that matters deeply to Maine people. I’ve heard about it since the beginning of my campaign, and I’m ready to get it done.”

Charles did not say whether he would support restoring sovereignty.

“The way it works in Maine is different from the way it works around the rest of the country, and I remember the original treaty,” he said. “So, the short answer is, a governor listens to the people, and that is what I will do.”

Data centers 

Charles, who has laid out a plan to lower energy costs and disagreed with Trump on certain environmental issues, said he is “agnostic” on data centers.

“I am very concerned in general about both the environment and energy, but at the end of the day, what’s good for Mainers is what I will support,” he said in response to a question about banning data centers.

Bennett and Pingree said they both supported the temporary moratorium that the Maine Legislature narrowly passed but Mills vetoed.

“I think there’s a lot of impacts that we don’t know about: noise, water usage, special effects even locally on electric rates,” Bennett said. “And so we need to go in with our eyes open.”

Pingree said she would “enact a moratorium on data center development until we have the strongest laws in the country to protect our ratepayers, to protect our environment, to ensure that communities have a say,”

“ I’ve heard loud and clear: that is what Maine people want.”