Principal in Maine dresses as ICE agent for Halloween

A middle school principal in Maine is under fire after appearing to dress as a federal immigration officer for Halloween, complete with a bulletproof vest that read “ICE.”

An image widely shared online purportedly shows James Black, the principal of Mt. Blue Middle School in Farmington, wearing the ICE costume. The costume, as seen in the photo, includes a bulletproof vest that says “Police ICE,” a cap that reads “ICE,” and a gaiter with blue stars and red stripes that covers most of the man’s face.

Christian Elkington, superintendent of the Mt. Blue Regional School Unit #9, confirmed to Boston.com Sunday night that “the district is aware of a situation this past weekend involving a school employee.” 

“I have received several communications from staff members and others with concerns and/or questions about the matter. As we understand it, this situation occurred off RSU #9 grounds and was not connected to any RSU 9 activities,” Elkington said. “The district is responding to this situation in a manner consistent with our internal practices and procedures. We are also complying with our legal obligation to maintain the confidentiality of our employees.”

Black’s distinctive tattoos appear in other photos on his Facebook profile, which appeared to have been taken down after Boston.com viewed the photos.

Project Relief Maine, an advocacy and mutual aid organization, was one group to share the image of the costume.

“For immigrant students who already live in fear of ICE, this isn’t funny. It’s terrifying. Deportation isn’t a costume. It’s not a joke. It’s trauma,” the organization wrote on social media. “Students deserve to feel safe at school, not mocked by the very people who are supposed to protect them.”

Black did not return multiple requests for comment Sunday evening.

Molly Farrar is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on education, politics, crime, and more.