Augusta, Maine — As Mainers across the state protest ICE following the brutal killing of 26-year-old father Johan Sebastián Guerrero in Biddeford, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bobby Charles continues to stand firmly behind the federal immigration agency. That comes as no surprise, given that Charles has repeatedly and unapologetically defended Donald Trump’s ICE and enthusiastically invited them to Maine, even as public concern over the agency’s tactics and conduct has grown:

In February, Charles praised Donald Trump’s ICE, writing that “I.C.E. training should inspire confidence,” and claiming, “ICE training is exceptional, exceedingly hard, and inspires confidence.” He’s welcomed ICE to Maine repeatedly on social media via direct to camera videos and graphics and endorsed the use of deadly force. One of his posts said “I am asking President Trump to send ICE to Maine.” If elected, Charles would “very thoroughly welcome ICE and the DEA at surge capacity.”

Charles’ support for ICE goes beyond rhetoric. He sold “I Stand With ICE” bumper stickers and T-shirts while consistently defending the Trump administration’s use of the agency.

Earlier this year, the Maine Democratic Party released a video highlighting Charles’ repeated support for ICE.

Maine Democratic Party spokesperson Lauryn Fanguen released the following statement:

“Bobby Charles has spent months acting as one of ICE’s loudest cheerleaders, even as the agency faces growing outrage over its conduct. Instead of demanding accountability, Charles keeps offering political cover to Donald Trump and his immigration agenda. Mainers deserve a governor who will stand up for their communities, not Donald Trump and ICE.”