Backlash Grows After Middle School Principal in Maine Dresses as ICE Agent

Mt. Blue’s James Black wore a “POLICE ICE” vest, cap, face gaiter, and zip ties at a private party; immigrant advocates say the costume retraumatizes students and erodes trust.

In Maine, Mount Blue Middle School Principal James Black is facing a community backlash after photos circulated online showing him dressed as a ICE officer for Halloween — a stunt parents and advocates say retraumatizes immigrant families and shatters confidence in school leadership.

The viral images show Black in a tactical-style vest with a “POLICE ICE” patch, an “ICE” cap, a stars-and-stripes face gaiter and zip ties on his hip. A second photo shared online appears to show him in the same outfit holding an assault-style rifle. It remains unclear who first posted the images.