PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — In a significant development, U.S. Senator Susan Collins from Maine announced on Thursday that immigration authorities have halted their “enhanced operations” in the state. This decision follows a recent enforcement surge, during which over 100 individuals were apprehended since the previous week.
Senator Collins, a Republican, conveyed this update after engaging in multiple discussions with Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security. She stated, “There are currently no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations here.” Collins further explained that she has been actively advocating for a reassessment of immigration enforcement strategies in Maine by the administration and ICE.
This announcement coincides with President Donald Trump indicating a possible reduction in tensions in Minneapolis, following another tragic incident involving a federal immigration agent, which resulted in a fatality. The situation in Minneapolis has drawn national attention and parallels with the enforcement activities in Maine.
Despite the cessation of heightened operations, Collins noted that the usual activities of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and border patrol will persist as they have been for years. This suggests a return to standard practices rather than the intensified efforts seen recently.
The suspension of these operations comes over a week after ICE launched an initiative known as “Catch of the Day,” which led to around 50 arrests on its first day. Federal authorities had outlined that approximately 1,400 individuals were targeted in this mission across Maine, a largely rural state with a population of 1.4 million, of which 4% are foreign-born. The scale and nature of this operation had sparked significant discussion and concern among the local populace and officials alike.
Her announcement came more than a week after immigration officers began an operation dubbed “Catch of the Day” by ICE. Federal officials said about 50 arrests were made the first day and that roughly 1,400 people were operational targets in the mostly rural state of 1.4 million residents, 4% of whom are foreign-born.
By late last week, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said some of the more than 100 arrests were of people “convicted of horrific crimes including aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and endangering the welfare of a child.”
The veteran senator is facing reelection this year and could face Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, who announced her candidacy in October.
Mills has challenged immigration officials to provide judicial warrants, real-time arrest numbers and basic information about who is being detained in Maine. She also called on Collins to act after the House’s GOP majority defeated efforts by Democrats to curtail ICE funding.
Mills’ office did not immediately respond to an Associated Press email seeking comment from the governor on Collins’ announcement.
Collins has avoided criticizing ICE tactics, other than to say that people who are in the country legally should not be the target of ICE investigations. She also said policies she has advocated for, including providing body cameras and de-escalation training for ICE personnel, could help improve accountability and trust.
