Paul LePage Comments on Deportation of Relative with Work Permit

<figure><img alt="Former governor of Maine Paul LePage speaks at Compotech defense technology manufacturing facility in Brewer, Maine, U.S. August 24, 2026. REUTERS/Taylor Coester" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/VVZ3QGMPMNDQ7GPXD2JXSOD2PE.JPG?auth=d6a0d0dfe599280d5d6cc786dd0f70494f3bc88ba82df67b523727cd4308ac2d&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2808&amp;height=1579" /><figcaption>Taylor Coester / REUTERS</figcaption></figure><p>Paul LePage, the former governor of Maine and current congressional candidate, announced on September 23, 2026, that a family member is facing deportation. He stated that his son’s father-in-law, who has a work permit, is being deported as part of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts.</p><p>LePage indicated that the relative is being targeted due to his country of origin, although he did not specify which country. LePage has previously mentioned an “adopted son” from Jamaica, named Devon Raymond, but it is unclear if this is the individual in question.</p><p>“That’s not right,” LePage told reporters regarding the deportation. “He has a work permit. He should be allowed to stay.”</p><p>LePage reaffirmed his support for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stating, “They have a job to do.” He expressed that while he supports the agency, he would not target individuals with work permits who have been in the U.S. for an extended period, suggesting that enforcement should focus on gang members and criminals.</p><p>In January 2026, LePage supported ICE during a surge in operations in Maine, stating, “We all know that Mainers do not feel safe in many of our cities, and I welcome the efforts to get dangerous criminals off of our streets.”</p><p>LePage participated in a rally with Vice President JD Vance in August 2026, promoting the successes of the Trump administration’s policies. He is also involved in the National Republican Congressional Committee's “MAGA Majority Program,” aimed at supporting conservative candidates in vulnerable areas.</p><p>In a related incident, immigration officers in Biddeford, Maine, were involved in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Colombian national Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in July 2026. Guerrero was reportedly killed during an attempt to execute a warrant for his removal. The Department of Homeland Security later stated that the officer fired due to concerns for public safety, although this claim has been disputed.</p><p>The incident has led to a congressional inquiry, with reports indicating that a bullet struck an empty car seat during the event.</p>