PORTLAND, Maine (AP) U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that federal immigration officials have halted their "enhanced operations" in Maine, following a period of intensified enforcement that resulted in numerous arrests. The announcement came after Collins communicated directly with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. Collins confirmed that there are currently no ongoing or planned large-scale operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the state.
The federal operations had sparked significant concern among residents and local leaders, especially in cities like Lewiston. On the first day of ICE's operation, dubbed "Catch of the Day," around 50 arrests were made, targeting approximately 1,400 individuals in a state with a population of 1.4 million, where 4% are foreign-born. Lewiston's Mayor Carl Sheline described the operations as "disastrous" for the community, asserting that they "failed to improve public safety" and caused enduring damage.
In her statements, Collins noted that while large-scale operations had ceased, ICE and Border Patrol would continue normal enforcement activities that have been in place for years. The Department of Homeland Security reiterated its commitment to enforce immigration laws across the country as part of its routine operations. However, neither the DHS nor ICE specifically addressed whether operations were being scaled down in Maine. ICE's Deputy Assistant Director Patricia Hyde commented on the effectiveness of ICE officers, emphasizing their ability to operate in various environments.
The recent ICE operations have also sparked significant political discussions, particularly in an election year. Collins, who faces reelection, has not called for Secretary Noem to resign or criticized ICE tactics significantly, apart from stating that the agency should refrain from targeting individuals legally present in the U.S. Democratic Governor Janet Mills, who is also running for the Senate, criticized federal immigration officials for their lack of transparency in the arrests made. Mills specifically demanded information on the judicial warrants and identities of those detained, asserting that many appeared to be legally present without criminal records.
The complexities of the arrests have drawn public scrutiny. For instance, while some individuals were identified by federal authorities as having committed severe crimes, public statements and court records have shown that others arrested had unresolved immigration proceedings or no felony convictions. A notable case involved Elmara Correia, cited by ICE for prior allegations regarding child welfare. However, her partner contested the legality of the claims, stating no charges were ultimately filed against her.
As public interest and political stakes rise, Collins' announcements and the actions of ICE will remain under scrutiny. Activist pressure continues to grow, as shown by Graham Platner, a first-time Democratic candidate challenging Mills in the primary who has criticized both Mills and Collins regarding ICE's operations. With mounting demands for accountability from protesters and local leaders, the implications of these federal immigration operations and local responses could significantly influence the political landscape in Maine leading up to the elections.
