The second annual Maine Immigration Forum in Portland Thursday night struck a sober but resolute tone, as community organizations assessed the hardships and achievements of the state's immigrant population.

Ben Conniff, co-founder of Luke's Lobster, said during a panel discussion that the state's seafood processing industry has long relied on immigrant labor. Now, he said, those workers are under attack.

"You know, I'm here to help people understand that when you come for Maine's immigrant population, you are coming for our seafood industry," he said.

Conniff said he's particularly concerned about changes in Trump's recently passed federal budget law that he said will make it harder for immigrant workers to renew their work permits.

Leana Amaez, a vice president for equity and inclusio

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