PORTLAND, Maine — The Wells Police Department has become the first department in Maine to join the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) 287(g) program — a move that immigrant advocacy organizations said could erode trust between local law enforcement and the immigrant community. The department’s application, once pending, is now active, giving officers limited authority to carry out certain immigration enforcement duties under federal supervision. Keyko Torres, with the Portland-based advocacy group Presente! Maine, said the decision sends the wrong message. “If they’re saying they’re trying to get the skills they need to be able to carry out these arrests, they’re saying they’re looking to carry out these orders and help them,” Torres said. The 287(g) program enables local officers to perform some functions of immigration officers, but Wells Police Chief emphasized they are only participating under the “Task Force Model.” That model allows local officers to assist ICE only when encountering someone wanted on a federal warrant — not to independently seek out or arrest individuals based on immigration status. “There is no intent, knocking on doors or going to hotels or making phone calls or chasing people down. That’s not at all the intent,” Rep. Robert Foley, R-Wells, said. Still, critics like Torres argue any association with ICE could deepen fear and division. “Providing those resources actually makes the community less safe because it destroys the trust,” said Torres.  Foley supports the department’s decision. He pointed to the town’s large influx of tourists in the summer — around 40,000 visitors — as a reason for the department to stay prepared. “Just being prepared for something if it should happen — and hopefully it won’t — but being prepared is always a good thing,” Foley said. However, Foley acknowledged community concerns. “The fears are there but they’re unfounded, especially in the Town of Wells. The Town of Wells has never done anything in a nefarious way to go against any group of people,” he said. Despite assurances from town leaders, Torres believes resources would be better spent strengthening community ties rather than bolstering immigration enforcement. “There’s so many other ways to help our immigrant community that isn’t deputizing our local law enforcement to carry out actions that are meant for federal agents,” Torres said. Wells is currently the only department in Maine approved for this training, but they may soon have company. The Monmouth-Winthrop Police Department recently joined the list of pending agencies looking to join the 287(g) program.