Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will cease its enhanced operations in Maine, according to Republican Senator Susan Collins. This decision follows numerous discussions Collins had with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. While the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) does not publicly confirm law enforcement operations, Collins shared that Noem informed her of the end of these intensified activities in the state.
“I can report that Secretary Noem has informed me that ICE has ended its enhanced activities in the state of Maine,” Collins stated. “There are currently no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations here.” Collins has been vocal about her concerns regarding ICE’s approach to immigration enforcement and has urged federal officials to reconsider their strategies in the region.
DHS previously indicated it aimed to apprehend approximately 1,400 individuals in Maine suspected of being in the country illegally through an initiative dubbed “Operation Catch of the Day.” Since ramping up operations last week, the agency reported over 200 arrests across the state.
Local Leaders React to ICE’s Operations
In Lewiston, Maine, a city targeted by ICE, Mayor Carl Sheline welcomed the news of the operations’ scale-back. He described ICE’s activities as “disastrous” for local communities, expressing that they have not contributed to public safety and have instead caused lasting harm. “ICE operations in Maine have failed to improve public safety and have caused lasting damage to our communities,” Sheline remarked. “We will continue working to ensure that those who were wrongfully detained by ICE are returned to us.”
Democratic Representative Chellie Pingree also responded to the cessation of “Operation Catch of the Day.” She noted the reduction in the federal presence but emphasized the broader implications of ICE operations. “If these enhanced operations have in fact ceased, that may reduce the visible federal presence in our state,” Pingree stated. “But I think it is important that people understand what we saw during this operation: individuals who are legally allowed to be in the United States, whether by lawful presence or an authorized period of stay, following the rules, and being detained anyway.”
Future of Immigration Enforcement in Maine
Despite the cessation of enhanced operations, Collins indicated that ICE and Customs and Border Patrol will continue their standard operations, which have been in place for many years. She affirmed her commitment to collaborating with Secretary Noem to address issues related to illegal immigration, drug smuggling, and other forms of transnational criminal activity.
The announcement of the end of enhanced operations in Maine coincides with a wider pullback of federal immigration activities in Minnesota, where recent operations have led to significant controversy, including the deaths of two individuals. Border Czar Tom Homan confirmed that the number of immigration officers in Minnesota will also be reduced.
As Maine navigates this shift in federal immigration policy, local leaders remain vigilant, advocating for community safety and fairness in enforcement practices.
