Cumberland County Corrections Officer Detained by ICE, Sparking Dispute Over Federal Agency's Account

A corrections officer at the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office in Maine was taken into custody this week by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and local officials are publicly contesting the federal agency's characterization of the arrest.

Billy Bassikissa Bounguiena, known to friends as "Panushi," was detained Tuesday morning in South Portland. Neighbors recorded videos showing several unmarked vehicles and agents taking him from his home.

The 31-year-old, originally from the Republic of the Congo, is currently being held at the Wyatt Detention Facility in Rhode Island. He was transferred there Thursday after initially being held at the Strafford County Jail in New Hampshire. His attorneys were not immediately available for comment.

Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce said staff learned of the apprehension Tuesday morning. In a written statement, he described Bassikissa Bounguiena as a valued employee who regularly works between 40 and 70 hours per week, holds a valid work permit, and has no criminal history.

"He is a great employee, well-liked, and continuously works 40-70 hours per week," Joyce said.

This marks the third time since April 2025 that a Cumberland County corrections officer has been detained by immigration authorities. In January, Joyce criticized the circumstances surrounding the arrest of another officer. In response, ICE removed its detainees from the Cumberland County Jail entirely, ending a yearslong agreement that had generated millions of dollars in annual revenue for the county.

Federal Agency's Claims Disputed

ICE identified the officer in a statement as being arrested "during targeted operations in South Portland." A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Bassikissa Bounguiena entered the country on an F-1 student visa on Nov. 15, 2015, which was valid only through Dec. 4 of that year. The spokesperson did not respond to follow-up questions about his current immigration status.

ICE also pointed to a 2019 arrest for domestic violence assault as part of his criminal record. Cumberland County District Attorney Jacqueline Sartoris confirmed that Portland police did arrest Bassikissa Bounguiena in March 2019 following a domestic violence assault accusation, but she said no charges were ever filed.

She characterized the incident as minor, alleging he threw something at a woman but that there was no physical contact. Sartoris said no special considerations were made because of his immigration status.

Describing ICE's characterization of the arrest as criminal history, Sartoris said that claim "is a lie that will not hold up in court."

"This is going too far," she added.

Joyce, the sheriff, said the Trump administration needs to be "truthful about its 'mission' regarding immigration enforcement."

A Pillar of the Congolese Community

Friends say Bassikissa Bounguiena has long served as a leader and advocate for Maine's Congolese community. For the past five years, he has served as president of the Congolese Brazzaville Community of Maine, an organization that supports newcomers from the Republic of Congo with food, winter clothing, and connections to resources such as General Assistance. His friend Moise Kanga Mbella noted that he stayed on a year longer than the typical tenure, reflecting his deep commitment.

"Billy 'Panushi' is generous with his time and resources," Kanga Mbella said.

Friends say Bassikissa Bounguiena regularly opens his home to those in need. Another friend, Gael Taty, lived with him for two months while searching for housing.

"I didn't pay a dime," Taty said.

The news of his detention has shaken the community. The organization continues to provide services, but its members say his absence is deeply felt.

"When the leader is broken, the whole group has also fallen down," Kanga Mbella said.

Many in the Congolese community consider him family.

"He's my little brother," Kanga Mbella said.

The case adds to ongoing tensions between Cumberland County officials and federal immigration authorities, with local leaders accusing ICE of misrepresenting facts and treating members of their community unfairly.