Recent immigration enforcement actions in Maine resulted in the arrests of hundreds of individuals suspected of being undocumented, prompted by a complaint from the state’s Republican senator.
Sen. Susan Collins indicated early Thursday that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem informed her that ICE’s intensified operations in Maine have come to a close. She stated, “There are currently no large-scale ICE operations underway or planned here.”
Collins, the only Republican in New England’s congressional delegation, expressed gratitude for Noem’s willingness to listen and consider her suggestions about immigration enforcement in the state. She mentioned, “ICE and Customs and Border Protection will continue their routine operations here, just as they have for many years.”
ICE had initiated an operation dubbed “Catch of the Day” in Maine on January 21. Earlier reports from DHS noted that over 200 individuals were detained by Monday night, including immigrants from various countries such as Angola, Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Sudan. Charges against them included serious offenses like aggravated assault and false imprisonment.
In light of the January 24 shooting death of an anti-ICE protester in Minneapolis, Collins urged Noem on Tuesday to suspend the operations in both Maine and Minnesota, suggesting that a review of the operation’s approach was necessary.
Democratic Governor Janet Mills of Maine had previously called for the removal of ICE agents, raising concerns about the individuals detained—many of whom she described as local families with no criminal backgrounds, contributing to Maine’s communities and schools.
Mills is set to challenge Collins in the upcoming election as the Republican seeks a sixth term.
