Bulwark Takes – ICE Detains a Corrections Officer, Leaves His Pregnant Wife Terrified

Podcast: Bulwark Takes
Host: Tim Miller (The Bulwark)
Guest: Ben Bozeman
Original air date: January 25, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode discusses the shocking detention of a Maine corrections officer by ICE, even though he was legally present and part of law enforcement. The conversation between Tim Miller and Ben Bozeman, the local resident who recorded and helped after the incident, delves into what happened, the emotional fallout for the officer’s pregnant wife, and broader concerns about federal law enforcement activity in Maine. The episode also touches on the growing frequency of similar episodes and the local political climate in response.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Incident: ICE Detains an Off-Duty Corrections Officer

[01:29–03:27]

• Tim Miller introduces the recent surge in ICE activity, particularly in Maine, and the video of federal agents detaining an off-duty corrections officer, who is legally present and works in law enforcement.
• Quote:

  "Despite the fact that the person was a not here illegally and b part of law enforcement themselves."
  (Tim Miller, 01:34)

[02:28–03:10]

• Audio excerpt from Ben’s video, capturing the officer’s confusion and distress as he's detained by ICE agents.

[03:10–03:43]

• Ben Bozeman, on why the officer was targeted:

  "What's his crime? Having a job—his crime's having a job."
  (Ben Bozeman, 03:14)

2. Ben Bozeman’s On-the-Ground Account

[03:47–05:56]

• Ben was walking in an area with local breweries and witnessed unmarked cars surround the officer's vehicle.
• The officers detained the man swiftly, leaving his car running with windows down in cold weather.
• Ben took initiative to safely move the car and contact Project Relief Maine, an immigrant advocacy group.
• He found the officer’s name via car registration and helped connect the advocacy group with the officer’s family.

[05:56–06:00]

• Ben describes delivering the car to the officer’s pregnant wife, who was “visibly shaken” and in a state of “utter despair.”
• Quote:

  "She asked me if I knew how long it would be that he would be detained for. And I just, you know, I don't know. Just shattered me."
  (Ben Bozeman, 06:00)

3. The Emotional Toll on the Officer’s Family

[06:00–07:09]

• The officer’s wife, in her early 20s and pregnant with their first child, is left frightened and uncertain about her husband’s fate.
• Ben is deeply affected by the encounter, wishing he could do more to help.

4. Official Response: Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce

[07:18–09:11]

• Sheriff Joyce criticizes ICE’s actions at a press conference, highlighting that the officer is a “squeaky-clean individual” who was vetted and legally allowed to work.
• He calls ICE’s approach “bush league policing,” especially leaving personal property unsecured.
• Key Quotes:

  "This is an individual that had permission to be working in the state of Maine. ... For some reason, he was picked up last night. Folks, that's bush league policing again."
  (Sheriff Kevin Joyce, 07:52)
  "Every indication we found is that this was a squeaky clean individual that really hadn't done anything at all."
  (Sheriff Kevin Joyce, 08:52)

5. Ben’s Continued Efforts and the Community Impact

[09:18–10:49]

• Ben has not been contacted by authorities but is staying in touch with advocacy groups.
• These groups are overwhelmed by the volume of detentions and requests for help.
• Ben expresses worry for the family, especially given the officer’s role as the breadwinner.

6. The Broader Pattern of Detentions

[11:16–13:06]

• Ben notes similarities to recent incidents across the country but is shocked to witness it firsthand.
• Reports of daily detentions in the area, including of a local pastor and a mother of four.
• Ben:

  "Every day it's, it's something else in a different part of town… The cases are, or the instances are really mounting up and it's, you know, it's getting kind of dizzying. Honestly."
  (Ben Bozeman, 12:19)

7. Local Political Reactions

[13:06–14:46]

• Tim asks Ben about political candidates catching his attention amid the turmoil.
• Ben expresses excitement about Graham Platner, drawn by his proactive and urgent approach.
• Ben’s political engagement history: previously supported Bernie Sanders for his activism and desire to “do something.”

8. Closing Thoughts

[14:46–15:10]

• Tim reiterates his appreciation for Ben’s help and invites updates to support the officer’s family or local advocacy if more information becomes available.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On witnessing the detention:

  "Just coordinated swoop down on this guy's car…five, seven, some odd agents popped out. ...My video, I started in three minutes, I think, tops. It was done."
  (Ben Bozeman, 03:53)

• On the officer’s wife:

  "The feeling I had of just like, complete helplessness in the face of, like, utter despair was ... soul crushing."
  (Ben Bozeman, 06:00)

• On ICE activity:

  "It's just, I'm losing track. ...a local pastor got, got grabbed. I think a couple now corrections officers have been, have been taken."
  (Ben Bozeman, 12:19)

• On politics:

  "I was a Bernie supporter for sure. I want to see someone who will, I don't know, fight for, you know, to do something."
  (Ben Bozeman, 14:15)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 01:29 | Episode topic introduction by Tim Miller | | 02:28 | Audio clip of the actual detention | | 03:43 | Ben Bozeman joins the discussion | | 05:56 | Ben describes returning the car to officer's wife | | 07:18 | Clip of Sheriff Kevin Joyce’s press conference | | 09:18 | Ben discusses community and advocacy response | | 11:16 | Ben reflects on witnessing the broader ICE pattern | | 12:19 | On increasing incidents in Maine | | 13:19 | Ben's thoughts on local politics and activism | | 14:46 | Tim Miller closes the interview |

Tone and Language

The conversation is urgent, raw, and emotionally charged throughout, reflecting the stress and confusion experienced by those directly affected by ICE enforcement actions. Ben Bozeman’s tone is compassionate and frustrated, while Tim Miller brings journalistic clarity and empathy.

Summary Takeaway

This episode exposes the human impact of recent ICE actions in Maine, spotlighting the distress caused even to law-abiding, contributing members of society. The emotional fallout for families, the confusion among local law enforcement, and the strain on advocacy networks all point to a growing crisis. The episode closes with a call for greater community support and vigilance against unjust policies.