 In October 2002, former Mayor of Lewiston Laurier T. Raymond wrote an open letter addressed to leaders of the Somali immigrant community, predicting a negative impact on the city's social services and requesting that they discourage further relocation to the town.The letter angered some persons and prompted various community leaders and residents to speak out against the mayor, drawing national attention.Demonstrations were held in Lewiston, both by those who supported the immigrants' presence and those who opposed it.