Domestic Abuse Poses Greater Threat to Maine Than Illegal Immigration

Violent crime in Maine continues to decline, except for domestic violence incidents that account for half of all homicides in the state.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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In Maine, domestic abuse is a more serious threat to public safety than illegal immigration, according to a new opinion piece. The author, Patrisha McLean, CEO of the nonprofit Finding Our Voices, argues that while the Trump administration claims to be targeting "the worst of the worst" immigrants, many of those arrested have no criminal record. Meanwhile, U.S. citizens are "terrorizing Maine women and children every minute of the day" through domestic violence, which accounts for half of all homicides in the state.

Why it matters

This story highlights the disconnect between the government's focus on illegal immigration and the more pressing issue of domestic violence in Maine. It raises questions about why more isn't being done to address the high rates of domestic abuse, which often lead to serious crimes and even homicides, while resources are directed toward targeting immigrants with little to no criminal history.

The details

In 2024, domestic violence accounted for half the kidnappings, abductions, and aggravated assaults in Maine. Intimate partners perpetrated four times more sex crimes than strangers. Domestic abuse is at the root of about half of all homicides in the state. Recent cases include a man from Skowhegan charged with murdering his former girlfriend, and a man from Sanford who is a state lawmaker under indictment for strangling his wife. Despite the severity of these crimes, alleged abusers are often able to post bail and continue to pose a threat.

  • In January 2026, the Maine Department of Public Safety reported that violent crime continues a downward trend, with the exception of domestic violence.
  • In 2024, the last year studied, domestic violence accounted for half the kidnappings, abductions, and aggravated assaults in Maine.

The players

Patrisha McLean

The CEO and founder of Finding Our Voices, a grassroots nonprofit.

Dane Burke

A man from Skowhegan who was the suspect in the death of his former girlfriend, Nichole Jackson.

Shawn Samuels

A homegrown U.S. citizen who was charged with killing his 3-month-old baby while out on bail from allegedly strangling his intimate partner the previous year.

Rep. Lucas Lanigan

A Maine state lawmaker who is in his second year under an indictment for strangling his wife.

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What’s next

The judge in the Shawn Samuels case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him to be released on bail again, despite his history of alleged domestic violence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for Maine and the federal government to treat domestic violence with the seriousness it deserves, given its disproportionate impact on public safety compared to illegal immigration. Reforms are needed to prevent alleged abusers from being released on bail and continuing to pose a threat to their victims and the community.