Since Trump’s executive order on immigration, false rumors that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials were spotted at Central Maine Community College (CMCC) and some off-campus streets in Lewiston swelled on social media.. Multiple posts were shared on Facebook warning people to avoid these areas. This left students feeling nervous and unsafe. Although these rumors were false, they were widely shared and reflect the anxiety among many students. 

Marcelina Do Santos, a student at CMCC, has been feeling scared due to her status as an asylum seeker. She added that she didn’t know her rights if she were to be intercepted by ICE officials. Marcelina is also worried about her eligibility for financial aid. CMCC sent out an email communication a few days after ICE was rumored to be seen on their campus. “In response to these executive orders, we are actively analyzing the situation and will be providing information and resources about the impact of the executive orders as soon as possible,” stated CMCC Vice President & Dean of Students,  Nicholas Hamel,  “we are working collaboratively with our higher ed partners, community organizations, and state officials to provide you with comprehensive resources and information.”

Another CMCC student who preferred to remain anonymous shared that he received communication about the potential of financial aid being frozen. “I am feeling scared and have been looking into more information, so I know what to do,” said the student. Affected students have created chat groups to support one another as the uncertainty grows. 

Subsequent to President Trump’s inauguration and the signing of his executive order on mass deportation, immigrant communities all over the country have been crippled by fear and panic. Trump further rescinded the 2021 Biden’s administration policy that protected sensitive areas from being raided by ICE, giving them free reign to intercept immigrants even in churches, hospitals and schools. 

SMCC President Kristen Miller sent out a communication detailing guidelines on what to do if stopped by ICE while on campus. “To ensure the best support for our students and staff, we are sharing key information and guidelines below. Our aim is twofold: first, to establish clear procedures that allow faculty and staff to stay focused on what matters most—helping students reach their educational goals; and second, to provide a structured approach for compliance and support. By putting well-defined processes in place, we can continue serving our students effectively without requiring each employee to navigate complex and evolving policies on their own,” wrote Miller. 

We spoke to Michelle Kasongo, who is a final-year student at SMCC. “Everywhere we used to think is safe is not safe anymore” she said, as she detailed what she has been hearing in the community. Michelle is confident about her rights and what to do if she is stopped by ICE. 

The University of Maine School of Law has put together a QR code related to Know-Your-Rights in the event of an ICE enforcement situation. The Managing Co-Director of the law clinic, Professor Anna Welch, also highlighted some of the documents individuals could carry with them as proof of lawful immigration status in the United States: a green card, asylum receipt notice, F-1 visa information, etc. “And if someone is undocumented, the recommendation is to carry proof that they’ve been living in the US for more than two years (lease agreement, bills, tax record, etc.)” stated Welch. 

With the declaration of these immigration laws, all immigrant students need the advocacy of the communities they are part of. Compassion and allyship are needed now more than ever. ILAP, an immigration law and advocacy nonprofit organization, calls communities to action by listing the different ways the public can get involved to stop the targeting of immigrants by this administration. Details on how to act are listed on their website, ilapmaine.org.

Disclaimer: Student names have been changed to protect their identity.