Monmouth police are getting rid of plans to work closer with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

CBS 13 reports that the department had applied to participate in a program with ICE to enforce immigration laws.

Dozens of people spoke against the partnership at a meeting last week, citing ICE’s alleged disregard for due process rights in other states, among other issues.

The police chief says right now, his officers often have to call border patrol on certain cases for guidance and the process can take hours.

The chief says that his department came across about a dozen undocumented immigrants over the past year and a half.

Police Chief Paul Ferland also oversees the Winthrop Police Department, and the withdrawal will also apply there.

The issue has also made its way to the state house with Democrats and Republicans introducing competing bills in the legislature.

The sponsor of one of the bills wants to prevent ICE from deputizing local police officers to detain immigrants.

The Republican bill would have Maine cooperate with the agency.

Both bills were referred to committee and are awaiting a public hearing.