Maine Governor Tells Canadians: “You’re Safe Here” Despite U.S. Travel Concerns

As cross-border travel dips and tensions rise, Maine Governor Janet Mills is on a mission to win back Canadian visitors—especially those feeling uncertain about heading to the U.S. under Donald Trump’s administration.

During her visit to Fredericton, New Brunswick, on June 24, Mills joined N.B. Premier Susan Holt to promote cross-border tourism and reinforce long-standing ties between the two regions. But the public Q&A quickly shifted from trade and tariffs to a deeper issue: fear.

Canadians Voice Real Concerns About U.S. Travel

During the session, Vivian Myers-Jones of Saint John Pride voiced what many in the 2SLGBTQI+ community have felt for months: crossing the U.S. border feels unsafe.

“It’s a terrifying thing going down there right now,” she said, despite plans to attend Bangor Pride this weekend.

David Dennis, a local business owner, shared a personal story about his Venezuelan-born wife, who refused to travel to Maine even with Canadian citizenship. Her concern? U.S. immigration enforcement.

Governor Mills: “Tell your wife we’ll keep her safe”

Mills responded with empathy. She emphasized that Maine has one of the lowest crime rates in the U.S. and remains a welcoming destination for Canadians.

“You can hike, ski, swim, and shop here safely,” she said, adding that local border communities like Calais-St. Stephen and Madawaska-Edmundston rely on strong cross-border ties.

She acknowledged that as a governor, she has no authority over federal agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, she reassured Canadians that enforcement efforts are usually focused elsewhere.

In a moving moment after the event, Mills hugged Dennis and told him, “Tell your wife we’ll keep her safe.”

Premier Holt: “The fear is real”

Premier Holt agreed that Mills has been a vocal opponent of Trump-era policies, but she acknowledged that fear doesn’t fade easily.

“It’s a really uncertain environment for anyone who feels they might be targeted by ICE,” she said.

She also used the moment to encourage New Brunswickers to explore their own province this summer, citing ongoing safety concerns with U.S. travel.

Canadian Visits to Maine Decline Sharply

Tourism numbers confirm the concern: visits from New Brunswickers to Maine are down by about one-third compared to the previous year. And unless public sentiment shifts, that trend could continue.

Despite the warm words and reassurances, Canadians—especially immigrants and members of marginalized groups—may remain hesitant to cross the border in today’s political climate.

Would you feel safe visiting the U.S. this summer, or are you rethinking cross-border travel? Share your thoughts below.

More…

• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/maine-governor-face-to-face-with-canadian-travel-fears-1.7569593
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQL7jQ0RkLs