Masked ICE agent in Chicago
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A single graphic can be a powerful tool for clarity, but in the volatile atmosphere of Lewiston, Maine, it has become a lightning rod for accusations of statistical sleight of hand. Steve Robinson shared a contrasting map of shooting incidents from 2019 to 2025 against a pristine, 'zero shooting' map from the weeks following federal deployment.

The number of shooting incidents in Lewiston, Maine, noticeably dropped when ICE agents were deployed in the area. Social media users, however, questioned the report's legitimacy due to its timeline. Apparently, they didn't think it was a fair comparison.

Home Security: 'You're Welcome'

Robinson, an award-winning journalist and filmmaker, shared two graphics comparing the number of shooting incidents in Lewiston, Maine. The post featured two side-by-side graphics intended to show the positive impact of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on local safety.

On the left, a map spanning 2019 to 2025 is saturated with red gun icons, representing years of shooting incidents. On the right, a 'post-ICE surge' map covering only late January to February 2026 displays a sparse handful of green house icons. This visual shift from weapons to homes implies a total restoration of order.

Homeland Security shared the post and was visibly proud of it. 'You're welcome,' the caption read.

Netizens Challenge The Accuracy Of Federal Success Claims

The digital response to the graphic was swift, with many users accusing the government of statistical manipulation. Apparently, many find the graphic misleading for a few reasons: the pre-ICE map spans years of data, including the 'Covid spike', while the second map covers only a few weeks. Furthermore, there is no verified evidence directly linking ICE actions to a reduction in local shootings; correlation is not causation.

One user, @librarythingtim, noted, 'You're telling me that there were more shootings over six years than in the last month?', while another, @LikeToasters, added, 'Comparing years to weeks. Morons.'

'It's misleading. Might be true, but it's a lopsided presentation,' a third user commented.

Many shared the same sentiment – that the presentation was biased. According to critics, the data was being weaponised to justify the federal presence without offering a fair historical context.

However, many also supported the surge of ICE, convinced that they helped reduce the shooting incidents.

'Zero shootings. Zero apologies. ICE: You're welcome, Lewiston. Keep it coming,' Alicia Lapp wrote.

Despite the praise from some quarters, the overarching consensus among data-savvy observers is that the graphics represent an 'apples to apples' comparison only by federal standards. The fear remains that such graphics will be 'passed around as proof' by those who do not examine the dates.

Lewiston Council Passes Emergency ICE Ordinance

Against this backdrop of federal posturing, the Lewiston City Council held a volatile session to address the presence of federal agents. After over an hour of intense public comment, the council rushed through an emergency ordinance with a 5-2 vote.

The new measure effectively bars city employees and local police from collaborating with ICE agents or utilizing municipal resources for federal immigration enforcement. The debate was described as 'heated', reflecting a city deeply divided over whether federal intervention is a solution or a source of community trauma.

Proponents of the ordinance argued that the city's safety should not come at the cost of its residents' civil liberties. Conversely, those in opposition felt the council was overstepping and potentially hindering legitimate law enforcement efforts.

The ordinance is a direct response to the broader community anxiety regarding federal overreach. This legislative move highlights the growing friction between local governance and federal mandates. As the 60-day ordinance begins, the city remains a focal point for the national debate on immigration and public safety, the Maine Wire reported.

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