Augusta, Maine — Yesterday’s Bangor Daily News reporting about Republican gubernatorial nominee Bobby Charles plans to call his “friend” Tom Homan to invite ICE and federal marshals to Maine polling locations sparked swift outrage and drew both local and national attention.

For Mainers, the ICE killing of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford last month was top of mind. Local leaders and advocacy groups, including the Maine AFL-CIO, also quickly spoke out about the blatant voter intimidation and defended every American citizens’ right to vote.

Charles’ comments about his “friend,” Trump border czar Tom Homan, are also a blunt reminder of his MAGA bona fides and how closely aligned he is with the Trump administration. This news came days after JD Vance endorsed Charles at an event in Brewer.