Maine Faces Immigration Crackdown as 'Operation Catch of the Day' Targets Communities

Thu Jan 22 2026 06:16:49 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The recent surge in ICE activity in Maine has left immigrant communities in Portland and Lewiston in distress, prompting local officials to voice their concerns against federal enforcement tactics.

Maine's immigrant communities, particularly in Portland and Lewiston, are feeling the impact of the Trump administration's latest immigration enforcement initiative, dubbed 'Operation Catch of the Day'. Local leaders and residents express fear as ICE operations target over 1,000 individuals, coinciding with rising tensions in the area. The state government and community organizations have pushed back against these aggressive moves, citing concerns over public safety and civil rights.

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine is now in the crosshairs of the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement, as the state experiences Operation Catch of the Day. This operation aims to deport individuals from communities with small but significant immigrant populations, sparking fear particularly among the local African diaspora in urban centers like Portland and Lewiston.

This initiative has caused unrest in Portland and Lewiston, where a notable number of residents are refugees from Somalia and other African nations. Governor Janet Mills and various Democratic leaders have publicly denounced the federal actions, demonstrating their refusal to cooperate with ICE's requests for covert operations, such as providing undercover license plates to mask their vehicles.

The Department of Homeland Security claims to target over 1,000 Maine residents under this operation, with reported arrests already causing anxiety among immigrants. Many residents in these impacted communities contribute to vital sectors like healthcare and education, intensifying the implications of this crackdown.

Local Reaction and Concerns

City Council member Pious Ali, a Ghanaian immigrant, highlighted the worrying trend of local schools seeing a drop in attendance and workers fearing reprisals while pursuing their livelihoods. The federal government has the ability to contact these people without unleashing fear into our communities, Ali said.

ICE agents have already arrested many individuals with prior criminal records, which they claim is part of targeting the worst of the worst. However, local leaders argue there is no substantial evidence of rampant criminal activity that justifies the presence of federal enforcement in their communities.

Political Responses

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows has taken a stance against providing undercover license plates to ICE, expressing concerns regarding potential misuse based on past occurrences in other states. Meanwhile, the state’s top prosecutor has also urged for peaceful demonstrations and warned against interference with federal agents.

The situation continues to unfold as the community grapples with the implications of this significant increase in federal enforcement action. As local leaders advocate for civil rights and safety, many residents remain in a state of fear and uncertainty.