Portland Small Businesses Weigh Stance on Immigration Enforcement

Owners debate whether to speak out against ICE presence and potential business impacts

Jan. 29, 2026 at 5:15am

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Small-business owners in Portland, Maine are grappling with how to respond to increased federal immigration enforcement in the area, including whether to post "No ICE" signs, participate in a planned business shutdown, or take other actions to support their immigrant employees and customers. Some owners have faced backlash for voicing opposition, while others are weighing the potential economic impacts of taking a public stance.

Why it matters

The debate among Portland's small businesses highlights the difficult position many owners nationwide face in deciding whether to publicly address controversial political issues that could impact their staff and customers. There are concerns about alienating customers, but also a sense of moral obligation to support vulnerable members of the community.

The details

After some Portland businesses posted "No ICE" signs, they faced a flood of negative online reviews. Owners like Andy Gerry of The Highroller Lobster Co. are now considering whether to close for a planned "Day Without Immigrants" protest on Friday, or to stay open and donate profits to immigrant support groups. Other businesses like Flowers & Candy and Arcana Maine have taken steps like displaying know-your-rights guides in multiple languages. Some owners, like a restaurant with an all-Spanish-speaking staff, feel an obligation to protect their employees but also worry about the economic impact of closures.

  • Last week, negative reviews flooded businesses that had posted "No ICE" signs.
  • Earlier this month, Flowers & Candy owner Eden Millecchia hung a "No ICE" poster and attended ACLU training on federal agents' legal access.
  • For the MLK Day weekend, Flowers & Candy saw a 91% year-over-year drop in sales.

The players

Andy Gerry

Co-owner of The Highroller Lobster Co. restaurant, who put up a "No ICE" sign that led to a flood of negative reviews.

Eden Millecchia

Owner of Flowers & Candy shop, who hung a "No ICE" poster and attended ACLU training on federal agents' legal access.

Nico

An employee at Arcana Maine shop, which prominently displayed guides on constitutional rights in multiple languages.

Jasper Tripp

Owner of Mocean skate shop, who hung a "No ICE" sign because it aligned with his beliefs.

Anonymous restaurant owner

A restaurant owner who plans to shut down for at least a week and pay workers, while her all-Spanish-speaking staff would normally run the business.

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What they’re saying

“The posters are up, and they're not coming down.”

— Andy Gerry, Co-owner, The Highroller Lobster Co.

“I'm the white lady who can yell.”

— Eden Millecchia, Owner, Flowers & Candy

“It just feels right.”

— Jasper Tripp, Owner, Mocean

“I have the responsibility to keep people safe. I also have an economic responsibility.”

— Anonymous restaurant owner

What’s next

The anonymous restaurant owner plans to shut down for at least a week and pay workers, while her all-Spanish-speaking staff would normally run the business.

The takeaway

Portland's small businesses are grappling with the difficult balance of supporting their immigrant employees and customers, while also weighing the potential economic impacts of taking a public stance on a controversial political issue. This dilemma is playing out for many small-business owners nationwide as they navigate how to respond to increased federal immigration enforcement.